The Eve Of The Greatest Show On Earth?
Jun 11th, 2014 by 'holic
I start to punch keys on the last night on which you will be able to say “No football on the tv then” for over two weeks. It is the eve of the opening of the 2014 World Cup. Having not won the lottery, and having insufficient talent to get sent out there by anybody else, I will not be going to a country I would love to see.
I do, however, have the advantage over most, being of an age to have witnessed England winning the tournament in 1966. I am pretty sure I won’t be seeing a repeat this summer. England have an interesting blend of youth, experience, and unfulfilled talent. Technically we are still playing catch-up these days.
Many would say we will be watching the winners tomorrow. Brazil will hope that the advantage of being the hosts benefits them as it did us 48 years ago. No European team has ever triumphed in South America which goes some way to explain why Argentina are second favourites. Both teams have a wealth of stellar talents, but I have a sneaking fancy we may witness a first in July.
Tonight Spain are the third favourites. The holders played some irresistible stuff in South Africa four years ago and they followed up by landing the Euros two years on, but many key members of that side have aged and/or lost form. For me they look beatable, possibly by my tip for the upset. I will stand accused of donning my rose tinteds when I tell you I have grabbed the 13/2 available for Jogi Low’s boys.
I have to admit a soft spot for a team containing Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil, and Lukas Podolski, with the added hope that those three are doing some first-class tapping up for us with a select one or two of their international colleagues. Their star is on the rise, it would appear.
The so-called ‘dark horses’ seem confined to Belgium and France. Of these I would expect the latter to go further, particularly with the divisive Nasri left at home. Neither of them do I see as winners. I would add one other side to watch. Uruguay will be a threat to everybody in their home continent, particularly if Suarez recovers from knee surgery and a persistent inner ear balance problem.
So that’s my colours nailed to the mast. For me the winners will come from a select group of four. Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay may benefit from not having to travel and acclimatise, but I still think the Germans will prevail (possibly by penalties, which would be stereotypically brilliant!).
Whatever happens enjoy the tournament all. I am well aware there is an international audience for this blog so feel free to tell me why I was wrong to discount your team in the drinks.
Have a good one, ‘holics.
782 Responses to “The Eve Of The Greatest Show On Earth?”
1st
I’ll be back! ๐
Divisive Nasri! OMG, he played much better this past season, and you you know it, ‘Holic ๐ Now to calm down and read the rest ๐
Mario to join Arsenal, lets start the rumour, please, holics ๐
Now that Barca have bought Rakitic, I guess they are really serious about selling Fagregas. Oh well I wish we could get him, but I highly doubt it.
We must better this position next season!
Top 4!
Haha nurse, I fear it is too late to start the Mario to Arsenal rumours. That horse has well and truly bolted ๐
Nasri, Balotelli … Do I spot an immaturity trend here??
If we get Real Sociedad to throw in a San Sebastian tapas bar by the beach, I say let’s sign Vela, Griezmann et al. at any cost!!
Oh dear. Missed by all of 2 spots.
My tips for the World cup trophy would be Spain, Brazil, Germany and Argentina in no particular order.
As for my beloved Nigeria and other African countries I reckon the heat will work to our advantage and the world will see an African country in the Semis for the first time in World cup history.
P.S. Fingers crossed all present and prospective Arsenal players have an Injury free tournament.
Can’t say I see the “home continent advantage” either. Top players now are used to travel and the challengers all have a core for whom this will be a third world cup. Spain and Italy both played in Brazil last summer as well.
The RP did a bit on this, if you take away the two tournaments that were played when teams travelled over by boat, literally, you are left with Brazil 1970 who, as they say, would have pissed it played anywhere and a coin-toss final where the Europeans easily could have won.
I’d make Spain, Brazil favourites with Argentina, Germany, Italy, Chile behind. Had some pennies on La Roja. I still think top to bottom they have the best squad out there. If conditions are tough that could be a factor. Mainly though, I remember them crushing Italy in the Euro final. They looked like they had a gear that no one else has. Brazil will take some beating at home and Messi can be Messi, but that’s my pick. (Did have a nibble at Spain/Messi double at 66/1 to.)
Tenner e/w on Balotelli top goal as well. My broth just texted me, he’s keen. “Milan are a mess, no clue at all. Just get it done Arsene.” Nuff said. Over to you Big Ivan.
UTA
Yes Holic, true but this forum carries some weight! ๐
Oh 8ball, your comment made me smile. Which is not a bad thing ๐
Can you imagine Arsene and Mario together.
Stuff of dreams. Or at least, seriously entertaining. ๐
I just fear that if Mario ends up in Arsenal shirt, we will hear no end of anything he does off the pitch, which might be very very disrupting for rest of the squad.
and great to see you abb:)
You too, Eandy! And the rest of you mutts xx
Mario has matured, BUT he still needs help taking PK’s’
Sure the holics have plenty of advice for him, on this small little glitch ๐
It is brilliant to see you back and in great form abb. Thank you, lovely lady ๐
#FreeBalotelli
Waoh,i love it here.Mario 2 arsenal is a match from heaven
Nice one Holic.
Argentina for me.
Japan to be the surprise package and go a long way.
And while I’m in speculation mode, Cavani to be our big transfer this summerโฆ!!
Just so good to be back ๐ Holic and thank you.
@16 Right on !
Centy, The weather no doubt will put some countries at an advantage.
Not sure how you train for that.
Nursie, I reckon the weather will work to our advantage because most of our have by virtue of been born and brought up in the hottest continent in the world will be more accustomed to playing in the heat than their European counterparts.
First things first !
Nursie, great to see you back – hope this indicates a permanent improvement for you. ๐
The World Cup must come as a bit of a surprise to the Merkans. It’s called the “World” Cup – and there are actually other countries in it ! ๐
Can’t let you land too softly, Nursie. ๐
I’d love to see the Goonakrauts lift the trophy but I’m with Joe on the Argentinian train. I think they will break Brazilian hearts.
As for FIFA and Blatter, it just seems to get worse and worse. I am thinking of boycotting the whole thing and suggest all fans consider the same plus boycotting the official sponsors as well.
The only way to push FIFA in the right direction is if their sponsors squeeze them further and if viewing figures crash and income falls then the sponsors will react.
God help the game! If the people running it are as corrupt and self-serving as much of the FIFA exec seem to be, how can we be surprised at diving players and bizarre referee decisions.
Despite my depression about the state of football (and Cesc apparently going to Chav$ki), I am cheered by the return of abb. Welcome back, nursie! ๐
Oops looks like I misread Nurse Abb’s post.
Nothing science can’t do these days, as Wilshere mentioned in an interview I read yesterday, England prior to landing in Brazil were preparing for the heat by training in/with some kind of artificially produced heat, or something like that.
Well, just seeing you here, fellas, means a lot to me.
Thank you.
Yes Trev, I’m here to stay.
And grade all your comments, ha ha!
Now Trev … ๐
Cent, just saw your last entry. Very interesting!
Evening, bath.
Agreed about FIFA.
Completely ridiculous that Blatter should accuse those demanding an enquiry into Qatari corruption of racism – something which he, of course, abhors.
FIFA are, of course, utterly determined to stamp out racism. That is why Man City have been fined ยฃ50,000,000 under FFP for spending too much money, while clubs whose fans make monkey noises and throw bananas at black players are generally fined around ยฃ20,000.
Thanks, Cent, for that very precise information @23. ๐
abbey, “a persistent inner ear
balance problem” should make u smile too.
It made me.
Cent, the Eagles must soar.
“abbey” should be “abb.”
England certainly won’t be winning the World Cup on penalties – at least according to today’s edition of The Times.
Apparently, the players were practising taking penalties at the end of training without a goalkeeper between the posts – and some of them still missed !!! ๐
Hi Frank! ๐ Does Mario dive ? Oh, say it ain’t so ๐
@ 30, let the madness begin. That’s what I say!
The Greatest Yawn on Earth.
Holic, thanks for finding a coca plant in the world cup. But you created the crave, we must have our fix.
abb 31, diving requires more grey matter, sadly for poor Mario.
Trev@27, ;), And heh @ 30.
Frank @28, Amen to that brother!
Mario definitely dives into tackles.
You know the England team has finally ceased to be relevant when the media regard Danny fucking Welbeck possibly missing a match as bad news.
nurse! welcome home, and all that implies ๐
i’m with joe and baff, argies for me. beating germany in the finals.
FIFA – nothing changes, Septic Bladder taking the piss again. If only the corporate sponsors gave them the two fingers.
Still, seeing Nurse Abb back in the bar much more inspiring.
Watching out for Ivory Coast to make an impact and the Argies will be hard to beat. As for England’s chances….next!!
Nice post Holics and lots of different opinions.
My top four would be Brazil and Argentina, Germany and Spain but I expect Argentina to win it. My outsiders are Ivory Coast.
Our lads may do well if we can beat Italy. I don’t think we will.
Safe passage to all Gooners on and off the pitch
Your top four would be Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain ?
What the hell is going on here ?
Have we got so much money that we are now so good that we only play everyone else’s national teams ?
Is this some kind of new Super League ?
Are Spurs in it ?
I’m confused.
No reason to change my original WC selection – a winner in three: Brazil, Germany or Netherlands. With England to surprise … ie, at least get out of their group.
รskar
What ?? ….. no mention of the reigning champs INDIA in your list !!! …. oops , wrong game i guess !!!! ………. ๐
Great to see you back amongst us, abb.
I am well with ‘Holic in the “Germany as a surprising winner” camp. Just as I had mentioned a couple of days earlier.
However I will admit that is a bit more of the heart speaking than head. More of a hope than what is most likely going to happen. Germany is a very well balanced team, and even after the loss of Reus have individual talents to make differences in key moments. But I think this just means so much more to Brazil, and Scolari has created such a hungry and committed team, and his own experience and shrewdness added to the great balance in the team composition … they would just make it happen, it won’t necessarily always be the ‘joga bonito’ but they will find ways to win matches. The work-rate and commitment on display of players like Neymar or Hulk even in the friendlies was impressive.
Pastore-Messi-Higuain-Aguero-DiMaria … that is some forward line for Argentina. But their defense is so weak I will be surprised to see them beyond Semis, if that.
Oskar@43: Netherlands? Won’t be surprised if they crash out in the group stage, Chile overcoming them.
I know Italy hasn’t won in last seven internationals, but looking at the way they play and the team composition I think they might make the semis. Pirlo is the cleverest in the business in controlling the tempo (which would matter a lot under the condition), and this would be his final World Cup.
arselove @ 44: Heh. ๐ India’s fall down the FIFA ranking is nothing short of astounding.
India had actually qualified once, in 1950, by default … but the Indian Football Association decided against participating. That gloriously comic record of ineptitude continues to this day.
I suppose it is not fashionable to pick Brazil to win the tournament. Or too obvious. Brazil will win the tournament.
I don’t think Brazil will win the World Cup.
My picks for top 4 are Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, with Germany winning.
I hope I’m wrong though because I managed to get Italy and Costa Rica in a World Cup draw last night so hoping Italy at least come 3rd!
Japan will be the entertainers in this tournament; bad defending, great attacking!
ใตใ ใฉใคใใซใผ้ ๅผตใ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผ
http://espnmediazone.com/us/photos/galleries/2014/05/02/2014-fifa-world-cup-international-posters#photo-24
Abb’s BACK! Yay!
Tears in my eyes.
I guess this is that feeling of seeing a child do something for the first time. My baby hasn’t done anything yet, but I can bet this is how it will feel:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/arsenal-wales-star-aaron-ramsey-7251756?
Just when you thought that wonderful club couldn’t move you anymore, then this.
“We are blessed.” No Aaron, we are.
UTA.
Btw Holic, regarding the title of this blog, I always the “greatest show on earth” was when Vic Akers strutting along the dugout wearing his “short shorts”*?
*Down Wolfie ๐
Everybody knows. The sides with best squads are:
Brazil
Germany
Spain
Argentina
I suspect there will be dark horses turning up but those above have the advantages of having bigger squads. Also some tough groups could eliminate some good sides.
Right time to see who I get in the sweep stake.
Cheers Holic! Suppose I might watch a few games in between ferrying little ‘un between cricket matches. Chichester Saturday, then Arundel Castle Sunday – Santander U10’s tournament before the Sussex T20 Blast vs Somerset. 08.30 start!
Lovely to have Abb back and about again.
#FuckBalotelli
Bloody Ghana!! ๐
Bye bye 3 quid!! ๐
Although if they make it to the quarters again, I could win my money back!
Cu’mon Ghana, cu’mon Ghana! ๐
46 … DR F …. Think with India and China not playing (probably not going to feature in the near future) …. they should rechristen the cup HALF A WORLD CUP !!!! , considering that half the world population reside in these two countries ๐
an even better one – ” REST OF THE WORLD ” CUP !!!!
Pikachu, I choose you!
http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/06/11/japans-national-team-flew-in-pokemon-plane-to-brazil
Awesome stuff, CoR, I’m not even a Pokemon fan but I love it. I always feel the world cup is an opportunity for all the participating countries to show off some aspects of their culture to the rest of the world. If it was in my hands I would start by making all participating teams take their official world cup photos dressed in their traditional attires.
Morning all, cheers for the preview ‘H. Actually looking forward to it all far more than I thought I would be. International friendlies are a complete waste of time, and the interminable qualifiers aren’t much better, but the World Cup is the World Cup and Brazil is it’s spiritual home. Three games a day for goodness knows how long, let the party begin.
Following England these days is also a far less conflicted proposition than the days of Capello, Terry, Cole, Ferdinand et al.
So for what it’s worth, (nothing at all), my predictions …
– Brazil to blow up early in either last 16 or last 8.
– England to do better than expected and reach our par position of quarter finals.
– Japan to surprise a few and get out of their group.
– Last four of Argentina, Germany, Spain and the surprise package Chile.
– Germany to win it with genius Fishgod getting the winner.
Bring it on.
Agree with Joe. Cavani to be our ‘big’ signing of the Summer.
I’m going for Argentina to win it, beating Germany in the final. Ultimately the pressure will crush Brazil. France could surprise as they have a fairly soft draw. And England will make the quarter-finals.
I love the World Cup, even the less good ones (1990, 2002, 2010) give you some great memories and scandal.
Well its football and the carnival called the world cup comes to us again from today. Well good luck to all the teams and may the best team win which usually does not happen.
Brazil Argentina Spain and Germany semi finalists and that should be a cracker to look forward to.
Someone said India, i so wish my country were to be there but then knowing the infrastructure and the apathy shown by the officials towards any sport bar cricket, the chances are not in my lifetime.
End of it all, i just want my Arsenal players to come back safe and sound. Afterall our cup starts from august 10th.
An interesting twist to today’s Brazil-Croatia game is that Eduardo, Arsenal’s one-time Brazilian-Croatian, is in the Croatia squad in the opening game in the World Cup in his ancestral homeland of Brazil. As far as I know he is unlikely to feature for Croatia, as he has not played since 2013 burt he is listed in the squad, and as a fan of fairytale endings I will be rooting for him to come on as a late substitute and to score the game winning goal. Even if it means my prediction of Brazil winning the Cup goes awry. ๐
8ball,
Reports on radio today that he will start due to an injury to one of the other forwards.
I have to say I’m quite looking forward to the whole thing now.
For reasons, see Tabs above.
Morning btw, mate.
Winners will be Sepp Blatter and Jack Warner amongst others.
If, of course, they are allowed to keep their winnings after the impending stewards enquiry. ๐
@ 62 & 63 – Word has it that, Eduardo Da Silva will sing both anthems due to his dual nationality!
Now how is that for ears to the ground and fingers to the pulse?
I have cheered up in the fact knowing that none of my mates got any better teams, namely Korea, Iran, Japan and Nigeria ๐
hehe bt8b, he is such a likable character that you just have to wish that happening for him.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is recovering so well from a medial ligament strain that he is exhausting the medical staff charged with overseeing his recovery, according to fellow England midfielder James Milner.
Good News indeed!
Goonertown, At first I thought you were joking but in fact you are correct. Or at least made a good prediction. ๐
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/world-cup-2014-eduardo-to-sing-both-national-anthems-when-croatia-take-on-brazil-9499862.html
All your deliriously wonderful personalities are coming back to me as I read your comments. So very good to hear your voices again! ๐
However, Frank, Esso and even Cent (!) are on probation, you know why!
Super Mario ! ๐
Morning, Abb. Afternoon, Trev, Eandy and a cast of dozens.
Here is some hard-hitting WC journalism for you.
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/brazil-completely-forgot-about-opening-ceremony-2014061287507?
Morning my lovely 8ball โฅ Giggles appropriately ๐
Anyway, Just know you’re all very curious as to who I want to win.
Italy. Andrea Pirlo retires from internationals after this cup. Big sigh!
Haha, Nursie, I quite like mario to be fair, just that I think the team spirit shown by our boys is too precious and valuable going forward to be risked by the signing of someone like Mario. It’s also part of the reasons I think signing Cesc won’t be a great idea, I wonder how players like Santi, Ramsey and, especially, Wilshere will feel when he starts denying then playing time.
abb@74: I think Italy will go quite far but not all the way. I am also expecting a great international farewell performance from Pirlo. A truly outstanding footballer.
Human mind is always looking for patterns and symmetries — last time Brazil won the world cup, was under Scolari, and we had signed Gilberto afterwards. History to repeat with Gustavo this year?
I believe he went down couple of steps in the ladder of club football to better secure the starting berth in the world cup, but surely he is not going to spend the rest of his career playing in a mid-level Bundesliga club. ๐
Cheers ‘holic.
*waves to Nursie.
Waves back iH2H ! Feel the breeze ? ๐
Centy, Yes I hear what you and countless others have said on this matter. But if there is one person who can guide him, well, just think Arsene is that person.
Dr Faustus, hello. Quite agree with you.Hope he delivers the flair we all have come to expect from him.
Agreed, Nursie.
Must clarify my earlier categorical prediction that Brazil will win the tournament in the interest of full disclosure. It happens that my daughter’s U-11 youth soccer team’s name is Brazil so there could have bee some confusion. ๐
I can say they won last night and let in 0 goals in her heroic 2nd half goalkeeping performance. ๐
Guess what fellas. Just met an Arsenal fan while I was filling up my tank (my car, sillies) ๐
He’s from Algeria and is of course rooting for his homeland. But he adores Mr wenger and follows our team very closely. Very nice!
Platini withdraws Bladder support. Time for diapers then?
3-1 to Brazil is my prediction!
Yikes, Cesc has gone to the enemy, Chelsea ๐
Sky reports saying that Cesc has joined The Chavs from Barca in a 5 year deal.
Anyone one still believing the DNA bollocks that we were all told was the real reason for him returning home??? Do you believe me now???? Arthur knew from the previous drinks.
I hope he gets absolutely slaughtered when he returns to The Grove.
Enjoy the World Cup people.
Nursie, really lovely to see you back.
An Algerian supporting a Frenchman? The age of anti-Imperialism a thing of the past?? Unless there’s a secret Algerian in Wenger’s Alsatian family tree …
Thanks Steve T, so very good to see you. Reeling from this news about our Cesc. Simply can’t believe it!
Oh 8ball ๐ He knows all our players and is very sad Bac will no longer be with us.
Fabregas would still be a Barcelona player today if they’d wanted to keep him, and he’d be an Arsenal player now if we’d wanted to buy him. Simple as.
Et tu, Cesc.
Next.
Aaargh…Cesc ending up with that lot is truly heartbreaking..I despise that club so much that even likable character like him falls in to “automatic cunt” category right away. I have the same with Petr Cech, he is really intelligent guy and nice fellow in overall but the fact that he plays for them is just too much.
I hope that our transfer business will of that magnitude that we are not going to regret the decision of passing up on Cesc.
It is a pity for Cesc’s sake he didn’t get his preferred move to Manchester United.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2559543/Barcelona-star-Cesc-Fabregas-admits-flattered-Manchester-United-bids-summer.html
He will retain honorary devil’s horns despite not being a red devil, however.
I can ABB. All the stuff 3 years ago was a massive smoke screen. He is like 95% of all players. All he cares about is himself. Honesty and integrity are banned words in football these days.
His actions set us back two years. If anyone still believed this homesick DNA garbage then they need to talk it through with the elves at the bottom of the garden. If there had been just the slightest bit of truth in any of it he would have stayed and fought for his place. The thought of what he did to this club and the knowledge that he will now be on Chav blue makes me about as pissed off with a player as I have ever been. I hope it all fails miserably.
I would not be half surprised if Cesc ended up like Mata under Moaninho though. I mean he sold Mata because he was not fitting in to his system and buys pretty much same player in Cesc?
Sounds like typical “buy so others can not have him” tactics he uses so often.
Afternoon Trev, hole the leg is recovering mate.
Rooting for Eduardo to nick the winner tonight and set the cat amongst the pidgeons.
Afternoon Nurse. Good to see you back.
On Fabregas, I completely agree with Cynic @89.
I wonder what part of his DNA made him join that mob?
Not that I care, he stopped mattering three years ago.
Cesc to the chavs?! righto.. time to move on!
We can find better players for 30mil!
May his performance match those of another stellar buy of theirs..a certain Torres!
Chelsea have signed Cesc
#Free Jackson
5 year deal 200,000 grand a week
Utterly gutted abt fabregas moving to chelski ๐
Afternoon all…..
“Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed 3 wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.
I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time for me to return. Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn’t meant to be. I wish them well in the future.
I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can’t wait to start playing.
It was extremely important to me that this transfer was completed before the World Cup so that my mind will only be focused on hopefully helping my country try to retain the trophy.”
Cesc to Chelsea – meh.
There’s no sense crying over a jilted ex, and it doesn’t change our position or what we need. He’d have been a good addition to our squad, but there are better uses of ยฃ30m this summer.
Let’s just hope we get what we need, and that Fabregas fares as poorly as Mourinho’s other number 10s at Chelsea.
Ohmmmmmm…..
Taken from his Facebook page.
I’m sick to the stomach but hey do we really need him?
N7
Too right he left us for his Barca DNA now he has no DNA left in him what so ever!
He would never get this much money at our club!
Apparently the Barca DNA is biodegradable! Hahahah!
๐
In a single stroke, he’s alienated the Arsenal fans and the Barca fans.
He’ll be a squad player at Chelsea, working for a manager who doesn’t believe in the sort of open, expansive style that he grew up playing and has always clearly believed in. And we passed on him.
Purgatory.
We are two down in the transfer window.
We will never win twitter at this rate…
With United and Chelski spending zillions again.. if they do not win it, something will have to give. Look for heads to roll there come end season.
Am sensing it’s about time for us to win the double again!
๐
Tabs!!!
You follow a really outrageous bloke on twitter. Ste something. Hates Liverpool with a passion. Is this guy for real? Hope not. Though he’s quite funny, in a very wicked way. ๐
anyway, this Cesc ‘thing’ has got me bummed out for sure.
I am just waiting for the day when Abramovich pisses off Putin with something so much he gets jailed like some other oligarchs and that circus of a club completely collapses.
Couldn’t give a toss about Cesc. We had his best years and ran those little legs into the ground. Now Barca are putting him out to pasture. Just like us, they have younger and better options.
Cesc was great. 5 years ago. Not fit to wash the boots of Ramsey, Ozil or Wilshere now. We didn’t need him, as enticing as the memories were. Must sting the Chav knuckle draggers to see him saying what we all know in that open letter. Arsenal reject, as they say.
On a personal note, I do feel for him though. Will be tough getting dropped for all the big games. Must have got tiring having it happen at Barca, but what can you do when Xavi, Iniesta and Messi are ahead of you. Will be really tough to take now though with Matic, Mikel, Ramires, an extra centre-half and a 3 piece wardrobe suite lined up along the edge of the 18 yard box. Ho-hum.
Another one that will look back and say to himself that he never should have chased the money or the brand, because he left his best football behind him when he left Arsene. Now we just need to see where Song and Hleb land this summer. Arsene knows.
UTA Big Ivan, UTA.
#FreeBalotelli
Heh @ El Puno. Great post.
ATG @101 What nonsense he speaks!
Careful holics, a Scotsman is lurking here on these very premises ๐
I feel betrayed slightly it has to be said but hey we must invest in other areas it’s as simple as that.
In other more juicy rumours, Reports in Italy this week claim Puma will help Arsenal to sign Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.
Just how bad does Milan want to get rid of Balo??!
“Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn’t meant to be. I wish them well in the future.”
I think he’s making it pretty clear where he wanted to be and why he’s not in red & white.
Cynic @ 89 is absolutely correct.
Balotelli story gaining steam in Germany and Italy. I really, really, really hope we get this done.
https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/euro-papers-arsenal-chase-balotelli-092102191.html
Only tattle that comes close to Balotelli in terms of stickiness for me is Cavani. I can’t see it though, why would they sell after a year, especially when they got slammed for ยฃ50 very large this summer for doing it.
Even if PSG do decide he can go… And take, say, a ยฃ10mil loss on him… I’d still rather have Balotelli for 20 than Cavani for 45. Balo and a quality winger beats Cavani for me.
UTA.
Have not been following Balo while he was playing in italy, but if he’s every bit as volatile when he was here last time… I’d rather not!!!
Clubs are getting deals done.. get on it Wenger, let’s see some signings!
I am in complete agreement with Cynic @89 and Steve T @93. He did massive damage by his conduct in forcing his way out, including triggering the departures of Nasri and RVP. Due to his conduct I have to confess to a feeling of enjoyment that he is considered surplus to requirements at Barca. We need to strengthen our squad in a number of positions but have no need or want in his position. Bayern or Dortmund had no need for him. Man City have no need for him so, unless he was willing to drop to a lower level, he was left with two options Chelsea or Man U. If we make the right additions to the squad this summer I am confident that we will finish ahead of both of those teams next season.
200K a week!? No way in hell Arsene agrees to that, not when Ozil is on 125K and Rambo on 115K.
If 200K is true for Fabregas then he can do one.
@ 118, 119 fingers crossed mate.
Cesc, who? ๐
“Another mojito, please landlord”
Just don’t expect me to get up for it ๐
Finally, we can lay this Cesc obsession to rest. He had moved on three years ago, let us please move on as well… he has his life to live, which is evidently in London, and we have our team to support.
I hope all these teach us in the younger generations — GT used to say that after living through his experience of Brady’s move to Juve no player transfer surprised or bothered him — to not take players’ proclamations of love and loyalty too seriously. They are loyal until they are not.
Arsenal->Barca->Chelsea. Other than Petit anyone else traveled this path before?
England’s WC chances summed up : http://i.imgur.com/xL4Ixi8.png
๐
125 – GT?
If we would somehow manage to land Di Maria (although that talk seems to have died down) then not signing Cesc will make an awful lot of sense.
He wanted to return, we had first refusal – but said no. Like others have pointed out, if we’d have wanted him he’d be with us now.
El Puno — you have really convinced yourself that Mario is going to be a great fit and it is simply a question of him maturing under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger.
I don’t think it is that straightforward. I think it is more than a question of simply keeping the tantrums under control. His persistent celebrity style love-hate relationship with media betrays a narcissism and some deep-seated insecurity that I don’t think would mix at all with our very well-knit dressing room. In Alex Song we got rid of the last of our strutters — even though I think we haven’t really replaced him yet football wise — and Mario is to Alex Song in narcissism what an eagle is to a grasshopper in flying.
Time will tell. I will reserve my judgment for the time being. But if he joins us I will be pleasantly surprised if he , and as a consequence we, come out unscathed by the London press at the end of the season.
@127 — GoonerTerry …
El Puno: GT is short for GoonerTerry, a wonderful man who sadly is no longer with us.
Well well well, hatred just got a lot more bitter. I always hated him for the way he left and i never wanted him back. I detest him more than even nasri for samir did not refuse to play for us, he played the liverpool game which we lost 2-0 knowing very well he was leaving, whereas dna boy refused to play for us sighting that shit hamstring.
thank you and get lost, the so called fan boys will all rest now and we can get into what we really need to- our team, our players and our needs.
Seeing him in those chelshit colors will be so nice and then the icing on the cake will be when jose subs him to bring a on a defensive midfielder or make him play on the wings as a auxiliary right back, good luck DNA so and so. go die.
Lars @ 131: Thank you.
Vinay @ 132: Let it go man, Cesc is not worth that much hatred and bile. Keep your aggression for things that really deserve such reaction, and there are so many of those around us…
Look forward.
Very good and measured reactions from you gents and ladies, just as I expected.
One Aaron Ramsey,
There’s only one Aaron Ramsey ………
DNA in Barcelona,
Father in North London,
What the hell is Fabregas doing at a bus stop in Fulham ?
๐
Just to put it all in perspective, a quick reminder that this is what happened the last time our lot actually played football….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejVX0-_b4J4
It’s still less than a month ago.
Lars and others. His previous actions mean that I’m far from convinced that Cesc wanted to come back. Especially if there was ยฃ200k a week on offer as reports suggest.
Abb, not sure who you mean re the twitter thing. Haven’t been on for a while. Best avoided I find when meltdowns are afoot so will have a look when things calm down ๐
Fabregas – meh. Not as good as Ozil, and I still don’t see how they fit into the same team. We may have an increased budget, but it’s not without limits. And you don’t spend ยฃ33m on a limited budget for ‘depth’. You spend it on the first XI.
Cavani and Martinez please. Ta.
No i do not hate him, i just want those rose tinted glasses taken off from our fans who still had that soft corner for him. Personally i have no issues with him going anywhere.
His move will strengthen chelshit? yes it will but not to an extent which many believe. He is still a very good player and he will influence games to but then thats what he is paid for as well right.
I would hate it if people start blaming Wenger and the board saying oh why dint we get him, that is something that i cannot digest or even understand.
We strengthen what we need to,thats all i am concerned and worried about. How about this- chelshit announce him, we announce Griezmann or Bender, now thats a statement, chances are slim though hahaha
That’s quite alright Tabs. He’s a real character. Keeps on boasting about mixing it up with the scousers ๐ Think he like respects the Arsenal, though. ๐
Vinay @ 140: I have as much visibility into Arsene’s plans and Ivan’s abilities as you do, which is zero, but I think (and not just hope) this transfer window will surprise us all, in the most positive way.
Why do I think like that? Because Arsene has signed a three year contract. And he has won a trophy after a few years. I seriously think that he will go all out for one more PL and that holy grail of CL.
And even though he had been unflatteringly called a recidivist in the press, I think he is someone who changes his ways most constructively. I think the value of the camaraderie and the team spirit in our camp should not be underestimated. And Arsene would strengthen the team in ways that would not have a negative impact on those core qualities.
Re: Epig @118. A few other ways of saying a story is “gaining steam” are to say it is “unconfirmed” or “untrue” or “rumored” if not “complete and utter bollox.” ๐
Doctor Faustus, i truly believe the boss , honestly i adore him and i always feel he is a true god send for this club.
Yes he is stubborn on certain things which drives all of us nuts but then he knows better than most for we can assume a lot, ground reality will be all together different.
I also think we will buy atleast 4 players, Wenger knows the next 3 years will be make or break, i want him to win the league again and the champions league to so that he rightfully gets his due greatness which he so deserves.
Re Cesc – While I agree that we don’t really need him, I’m sorry he hasn’t come back to us. I don’t think you can have too many top, top players. However, we will, rightly in my view, never compete with ยฃ20k/week and if that’s really what you can pull in hanging around bus stops these days, then so be it.
I pretty much agree with Vinay about Cesc and Na$ri. I loved Cesc, we all loved him, and he shafted us, big time, when he left. The chinless French chappie who hasn’t been selected to go to Brazil was never more than one of the team. He may always have been more of a cnut but it was relatively easy to wave him goodbye.
COYG
Loathe to spend any more time on Fabregas, but for what it’s worth I don’t get all the bile towards him. He’ll get a curled lip from me, as any Chelsea player gets a curled lip ftom me, but no more than that. Those waiting for an explosion of hatred at the Ems a la Van Persie will, in my opinion, be waiting a long time, unless he starts dissin’ the club. Mild distaste will probably characterise his return to Arsenal from the majority, and they will be right.
Both his moves are pretty explainable and straightforward it seems to me. What’s the problem with his ‘dna’, apart from it being a god-awful phrase? He is clearly a Barca fan, he always said he wanted to play there one day, he probably came to an agreement with Arsenal in 2010 for ‘one more year’, as is the modern way (Modric, Bale, Ronaldo to name three), and though his timing wasn’t great, he went to.play with his boyhood team who just happened to be the greatest side in the World with it’s greatest player. Who wouldn’t do the same? As Snowy saliently pointed out a while back, he is a professional football player, not a professional fan.
As for the move to Chelsea, again, it’s easily explainable, much as it leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Barca clearly don’t want him and have made it clear for some time that they want him out. In the circumstances I’d want to leave too. He clearly wanted to come back to Arsenal, and reading between the lines, was a bit shocked to find out that the interest was no longer reciprocated for all the footballing reasons that have been well elucidated on these pages. He is still a Champions league player, and with a girlfriend and child who are unable to move out of London, what other options did he have?
Meh. Move on. Nothing to see here. Bigger fish to fry.
Catalan may refer to something of, from, or related to Catalonia.
Cunt – a mean or obnoxious person.
Catalan cunt – may refer to someone related to Chelsea FC.
Agree with every word tabs has just written.
Am quite surprised at how little I find myself caring this afternoon. We’ve moved on, we don’t want him. We have players who win trophies. C’est la vie.
Not going to spend the summer banging on about a Chelsea player. Feet up, World Cup on, looking forward to seeing who we eventually bring in.
I’ve a feeling it may be worth the wait.
Ah Abb, I know who you mean. Ste Warburton. It is completely a parody account, sending up young kids doing the ‘football hooligan’ bit. Not to be taken seriously. Very very funny imo. ๐
What tabs said @146. I’d also like to add that I thought I’d be much more upset to see him in a Chelsea shirt but I actually feel quite “meh” about it.
Tabs.
Loathed to spend anymore time….. But…..
Are you sure you haven’t had the old cut and tuck during the closed season ????????
๐
He will get slaughtered from block 4, and all around the ground hopefully. He deserves it. Never have been part of the Cesc love in and I certainly don’t intend joining it now.
No love in SteveT, just meh.
On the waiting list for the cut and tuck ๐
146 takeabowson
What you wrote is exactly what I think, however there is a slight distaste in my mouth for obvious reasons.
I won’t hate him there is no need to do just that, sooner or later he will hate himself for joining a club without history and a manager who has no respect for anything.
I have to say his wages are way off the mark and we would never be able to match that so him saying we chose not to means we probably didn’t want to pay him such vast amounts of money.
We have other fish to fry and we need to strengthen in other areas as well, that is TOP priority!
There’s only one Aaron Ramsey!
Agree with every you say Tabs apart from maybe the ‘Ozil is better than Cesc’ piece. Not in my book mate.
Still think its a massive mistake passing up on him and hope we don’t regret it.
Agree with that Arthur.
I don’t think we will Joe, but all depends on who we bring in. We’ll just have to wait and see, but I genuinely think they’ll be some quality through the door come the end of August.
don’t know whether to feel sorry for Cesc that his all-time supporter didn’t want him back, or suprised at Wenger’s ruthlessness, or doubtful that it was a sporting and not financial reason that he’s ending up at Chelsea.
Most of all, I just feel sad for that girl Sian…
Despite my tongue in cheek comment, Tabs KNOWS !!
And what Lars said @150.
I have to admit to being a bit surprised Arsene didn’t take him, bearing in mind the number of ageing midfielders we have, but you have to think there are other plans in train.
In any event, Aaron Ramsey is now a better version of Fabregas so there’s plenty of ‘meh’ here too. The Ox will also have a big role to play so it looks like “No Cesc Please, We’re British”. ๐
Dr. F. at 129 great point.
One of my best buddies is a lifelong Milan fan. Born, raised, from Milan. Still yells at the TV in Italian when we watch Milan, still takes calls from his family in Italy during the matches.
He is an enigma even to them. Potential yes, but potential for disaster all the same. Most shot of Balotelli and are happy anyone would take him – and pay real money for him. IMO – he’s Flavor of the month. I’ve seen no goal tally, fluid movement, or team play from him that suggests he’d fit this Arsenal side. And make no mistake: Thierry Henry he is not. A huge gamble on Balo – and I don’t like the odds.
As for Cesc, I am frankly of two minds. AFC legend, but seeing him in chavski shirt will suck. I’ve read a few sources/posters comments on the Fabregas thing. Very much take/leave/up to interpretation so grain of salt. But this one stood out:
“Heโll play alongside Matic at Chelsea and wonโt replace Willian or Hazard. Ozil is irrelevant IMO. This is a great signing for Chelsea. Since January when Arsenal were top of the league Chelsea have signed Matic, Zouma, Fabregas, Costa, Salah and Arsenal have signed Kim Kallstrom.”
Ye gods but that reads terribly.
AW better have somethings in store for us this Summer. Something that makes his passing on Fabregas make sense.
And please forgive my typo-riddled post!
Heh Trev ๐
Fabregas to Chelsea my arse. He is a great lad.
Wake me up when something actually happens. All this internet talk and ridiculous twitter insinuations.
What, he gave interview where he actually confirmed that he is off to Chelsea????
I don’t believe it for a second. No way. It is just not happening. All those ITK’s did not have a fucking clue.
Fab is such a great fella.
And why Chelsea? Nothing in his interview suggests Chelsea! It is all based on opinion and angst. Never happening. No way! He is really charming young lad.
And it not affects me! I am all meh….
It would affect me, if it was actually demonstrably happening!!!!
A bunch of people on the Internet losing the plot because of a youtube video? Drop me out.
Anyway, if it somehow happens and Fabregas (he is a great guy) goes to Chelsea- I will just say MEH, because it will not affect me at all. I mean it will affect me, but if it was actually happening, to repeat myself, but as long as it doesn’t I am all meh.
Even if he scores in a game against us, I will still not believe that he is a Chelsea player because all that is just Twitter ITK stupid talk and…… there is just no way that is true.
Waves to abb.
So glad to see you here again, hope all is fine:)
Well, well. Arsene showing his ruthless streak once again, can’t say I’m surprised. There are quite a number happy with Wenger for ‘finding his bottle’. He seems to have reverted to the Wenger of old and long may that continue.The man is on a mission and clearly feels Cesc doesn’t fit into his plans. Let’s give him the benefit of doubt.
Big things are gwan, me think.
Oh yes, Nigeria for the semi-finals.
UTA, USE
Yep still meh.
Silly boy.
Just to add that I spent about 15-20 enjoyable minutes reading comments from one week ago, it was such a pleasure, thank you gents you know who you are.
He has just signed Lurky. Time to end the denial. If we had to resign an old player I would prefer it had been Fabregas not Vela.
We just have to trust Wenger in this. Nobody knows Cesc better than him.
I’m with Joe in terms of my opinion though. I’d love to have seen him back but that piece from a Barca fan about his effect on the team really surprised me. Could he have fallen away in quality so swiftly. Did he peak too early?
I also detest Chavski and all they stand for. They have already signed two very expensive high- risk players for a lot of money and raised a ridiculous sum by signing Luiz. Let’s hope Moaninho has cocked up big time and we see some positive action at our end soon. So far we’ve lost Fabianski and Sagna and failed to resign Cesc. It’s not an auspicious start .
Is it me or is the opening ceremony a complete shambles?
What on earth is wrong with the world? Just seen some truly distasteful crap. Some sites should be banned for crying out loud. All AW did was pass on Fabregas, it’s not like he forced him out of Arsenal to barca and then held a gun over his head to sign for Mour. It’s as if there an agenda to crucify the man. People!
So many hippies around here, I can’t see nuthin’ from all that hair.
But I can hear a bunch of sheeps crying’ – “Meeeeeh, Meeeeeeh, Meeeeeh……”
Lurky – as I had said then I will say now, it would be a bit strange and somewhat disappointing from my perspective to see Cesc at Chelsea, but there it ends. Life goes on. Cesc had moved on three years ago, and despite my dislike of Chelsea I simply cannot find enough violent emotion in me to care much about where he plays next. I guess we are wired differently.
I genuinely think when the dust has settled after this transfer window we will find ourselves much better placed than what we are conservatively guessing.
#FreeBalotelli
My perfect summer, version 7:
Balotelli
Greaseman
Javi Martinez
Aurier
Begovic
2 x random18/19/20 year old Arsene projects.
UTA
I can’t seem to remember Nacho and Santi forcing an Arsenal shirt on F.C.’s back.
Nor did they spread rumours that F.C. was longing to come back to AFC
I don’t seem to remember F.C. telling Barcelona which club he would only accept to play for.
All I understand is that Barcelona wanted rid of F.C. and F.C. wanted the biggest little brown envelope with a window (paycheque) possible.
I wish F.C. all the best but watch out for all the other F.C.’s at that filthy club.
Sadly as Steve T pointed out it’s not always about intentions, money talks and money in this case spoke as well.
200K a week come on he’s not worth that money and I’m glad Chelski are paying his wages. Yes he knows this league very well, however this league was very different three years ago and it will be different next season. Good luck to him! He will get his abuse from the minority but he left us at a time when we needed him most.
TTG, agree that is not a very good start, but there are some interesting footballers that we are after this summer.
It is all just internet talk, but I’ve been there long enough to properly filter them and to know which are close to happen.
I have faith in Arsene’s decisions and I really think that this summer he will be ruthless and way more direct. I think that he will sign more than 5 players this summer. Not all for big money, some on a free, but he will sign one or maybe two 20m+, maybe even much higher.
It is all my opinion of course and I am not 100% sure it will happen, but what I am sure of is that we will have a strong squad next year, much stronger than this year’s.
Ttg,
I think the sale of Luiz to finance the acquisition of Cesc & Costa is nothing short of a complete master-stroke by a man who knows precisely what he wants.
And no your not alone, the opening ceremony was a shambles. Clearly Fifa had more important people to pay.
There was a mention of our getting some money for HIS sale. Was any such agreement made? If yes, were we paid?
He was part of one of the best midfield pairings (with Gilberto) this club has ever had. We believed in him, trusted him, gave him everything. He shouldn’t have left.
Red Lion
I read somewhere 5 million
Greetings from Auckland fellow gooners.
Passing on Cesc is a massive mistake for me.
AW’s perpetual mantra of “only super super quality” rings a little hollow when we are offered a world class player at under market value and turn him down.
Chelsea’s already superior squad is strenghtened immesuarably in my opinion, and they havent stopped yet.
Usually agree with Steve T’s passionate posts, but not this time.
“Be the best we can be…” — sure that includes buying world class players at knock down prices!
Hope to be proved wrong with a massive signing or two, but not holding my breath.
Clearly Cesc wanted to come to us.
I’ll never understand the logic behind this. (Please dont explain it to me Steve — I know the argument — just dont agree with it).
Faith is broken. Trust is lost.
the one Arsenal player I absolutely loved – has totally destroyed the faith.
Heh, Tabs.
Looks like we’re the only two old enough, stupid enough or English enough to get that one ! ๐
This fucking moron could have joined any other club.. Any fucking other club.. Even Man City FFS.
Joining Chelsea is a spit on our face and all the fans who wished him well when he left Arsenal for a paycut at our darkest moment.
Fuck you Cesc.
@170 Doctor Faustus,
once again, I completely understand your stance as I am sure you understand mine.
I went angry because of him moving to Chelsea, but went angrier when people here ridiculed my belief that he will go there. Mostly because I usually double and triple check any info that I post here, especially if it is transfer related.
That video tape and couple of Barca fans I know, that are always spot on, confirming the news was enough for me to post it.
Anyway, enough talk, real football is about to start.
Enjoy it Holics.
“Once a gooner Always a gooner ” – Fucking Judas Moron..
What irritates me the most is taht this piece of shit left Arsenal and the manager at our lowest.
He set the club back 2-3 seasons.. we had to fucking rebuild all over again..
And now he does this to us.
Its not as if he didnt have clubs to choose from.
No, Lurky, the real football is about to start on august 10.
Sajit
Unfinished business in the Premier League ๐
I second that SSY ๐
The Scene: A favela in Rio.
Smartly dressed man: “Psstt, Oi, fellas, girls ! Could a couple of hundred of you come and run and jump around in that nice new stadium for an hour ? If you’ve got any old carnival outfits left, just wear them”.
Fellas and Girls: “Sure, but what should we do?”
Smart man: “Anything you can think of – make it up !”
Fellas and Girls: “But what’s it called, this thing ?”
Smart man: “The World Cup Opening Ceremony”.
Haa haa ha ha @ Trev…. ๐
I say lets have some fun and buy some decent players!
The World Cup is just about to begin!
There’s only one Arsene Wenger!
You may have a point there SSY. I will enjoy the World Cup anyway. More luck for Serbia to qualify for the next one.
.
Trev@180 ๐
@161 – “Fabregas to Chelsea my arse. He is a great lad”
Said neither.
“Wake me up when something happens”.
It now has and I and many others have given our respective opinions.
“Fab is such a great fella”
Didn’t say it.
“All those ITK’s didn’t have a clue”
They didn’t and don’t.
“And it not (sic) affects me. I am all meh …”
It doesn’t, and I am
“It would affect me if it was demonstrably happening”
Didn’t say that, and no it doesn’t. See above.
“A bunch of people losing the plot because of an internet video. Count me out”
Continue to count me out. No desire to be in the ‘Hysteria is the new honesty’ Club.
“Anyway, if it somehow happens and Fabregas (he is a great guy) goes to Chelsea- I will just say meh as it will not affect me at all”.
Didn’t say he was a ‘great guy’. I will however continue to say meh, and no, it doesn’t affect me at all. Barely registers.
“I mean it will affect me, but (sic) if it was actually happening, to repeat myself, but as long as it doesn’t I am all meh”
Nope, didn’t say that, and certainly not in possibly the most contorted and meaningless sentence ever written. For the avoidance of doubt I am meh. Only one person appearing to repeat themselves here.
“Even if he scores against us, I will still not believe he is a Chelsea player”
Nope never said thst either. Always felt that there was a possibility of Chelsea if Arsenal passed on him. I was not however prepared to be ’emotionally honest’ as you would have it or an ‘hysterical fuckwit’ as I and most others would put it, on the back of, what remained at the time, speculation.
Stop posting bollocks. You know who you are.
Well, well, well…the news is well and truly out with the spanish bloke going to blue russians.
I had hoped it wasn’t true.
I had even come to terms with pinching my nose, swallowing hard and welcoming the little despicable grouse back “home”.
Thank you spanish bloke. I can now go back to heaping vitriol your way for the manner in which you deserted your coach and your team when they needed you most.
I hope, when people get ready to give Nasri a load of stick, they reflect on this piece of garbage. He’s the real traitor…even more so than the dutch skunk.
Fabregas, you broke Arsene’s confidence. You broke our heart. I hope some troglodyte up in Stoke does your legs. I really do.
I’ll not be speaking of him again. Ever.
Some starting to get it.
It has nothing to do with him not coming back to The Arsenal. It has everything to do with the tantrums he chucked 3 years ago to force his exit and then the signing for the chavs. Yes, of course he can sign for whoever he wants. Just don’t spout all this homesick and how much I love Arsenal bollocks.
Is there a World Cup on ????
Steve T a pint of Wisniowka for you fella! ๐
Arthur. I have absolutely no idea at all what that is but thank you very much. If it is good enough for you then it’s good enough for me.
@191
Why on Earth would you think that it is your citation? Did I mentioned you anywhere?
And, yes, most of those quotes actually exist somewhere in this bar’s history. And yes, as Steve T himself knows for sure, you are keen to seek through archives, so I am sure that you will find them, if you don’t have anything else to do.
I for one, will watch football.
Spot on Lonestar apart from the bit about getting done at Stoke. I would not wish that on any player.
i’m way more fussed about getting a good replacement in for bacary, than i am for cesc to go to the chavs. he’s dead to me.
and we’re off with the world cup! come on argies!
A pint of that stuff well….. have a look for yourself…..
http://drinkingmadeeasy.com/blog/wisniowka-the-wondrous/
Holic knows!
Spot on Scruz.
And Steve T, I’m with you. The leg comment – that’s out of order.
Now, peace all holics. Let’s not let this silly little man get us too ruffled.
Now its WORLD CUP time.
I see the Croats have left out Crotchic, Nastyic and Awkwardic. ๐
Hahahhah! Croatia are good!
Croatia one up ๐
Come on Croatia Get in!
David Luiz is a liability …!
Perhaps Neymar should take kung fu?
well in, homer.
well done, croatia. showing brazil how to play. must be embarassing for the brazilians. where’s the jogo bonito?
by the way, did anyone else see the espn pregame show, gilberto was one of the talking heads. gilberto, we need you, or your ilk!!!
Croatia can win this if they don’t get tired.. let’s see if the heat plays a big part.
At this moment, they are a touch sharper than brazil.. shocker! ๐
@196 – Oh do pipe down.
brazil playing like arsenal of 2008-9, lots of possession, lots of passes, high percentage of pass completion…and down 1-0.
not anymore heh
soon as i said it ๐
Brazil bulldozing through.. they’ll have to do more of that to win.
Maybe we should bid for Neymar… ๐
Hehe well he would be fantastic for us, but I suppose he is at Barca for life
Lucky Neymar
@210,
Such a respectful replay, wasn’t expecting anything else to be honest, you are really getting good at these patronizing stuff lately. Good job.
eandy@215, he must have barca dna.
Am not sure if that’s not the real HULK there. Grows more imposing by the minute..! Keep it under control and breathe Banner!
๐
Barca DNA is biodegradable as Cesc has found out…!
May have to wait till Neymar is 40 before we’re able to get him though.. ๐
Very impressed with Gustavo.
Just sits in excellent defensive positions and sniffs out danger. Very Gilbertoesque.
@216 Ffs. Yawns.
A) if your post wasn’t aimed at me, it should have been. I was someone amongst many others who ridiculed and will continue to ridicule your reaction to the youtube vid whenever you seek to defend it (unless you’re 12 years old, then maybe you’re excused).
B) Given that when you got all arsie because many didn’t share your hysterical tantrum, it was my words that you quoted, , it was a fair assumption that I was one, amongst others, that your post was aimed at.
C) Best have the bollocks to name names if you’re gomna post such nonsense, and you don’t want there to be any misumderstandings.
D) If you don’t want to be patronised, don’t behave like a five year old.
E) I’d follow your own advice if I was you and watch the football. It’s rather good. Far better than reading all that itk shit.
220 – don’t know how you can leave out that moustache? But yeah, just what we need innit. (Another one we ballsed up last year by not pushing hard enough to close a deal?)
trev, bet he’s got the moustache greased with shaft’s special…
Peter schmechiel anchoring the Danish TV coverage, don’t understand a word but he pisses all over Adrian chiles anyway.
Good think Neymar scored. Marcelo would have needed a bodyguard, seriously. ๐
El Puno, we did not balls up Gustavo’s signing, we matched his transfer fee and wages but he didn’t have the balls to fight for his place, he wanted us to assure him of a starting spot and we told him to fuck off, rightly!
Hi Lurky! Working my way up ๐
Tabs @149 Ha! Thought so too. Very funny indeed.
Tabs@210.
The full sex change and now knickers in a knot?????
๐
Finished the drinks. Missed this place !
One Big Happy Family ๐ Yup!
Drink up lads, life is short. Cheers xx
cheers, abb. *drinks up* ๐
Hey buddy scruz xx
I agree with Trev. Brazil are very patchy in performance terms but Oscar and Luis Gustavo are playing very effectively. On the basis of this performance LG might do a very good job sitting on front of the back four. He’s tall, unspectacular and looks hard.
It’s remarkable that the very unremarkable Paulinho is a starter in their midfield
And that was NEVER a pen
Corruption rules in FIFA again.
how is this a pen? O.O
oh pk! things heating up ๐
On reply, bad call.
CORRUPTION
joke of a call. gotta have brazil win.
gah Pletikosa needs stronger hands
Keeper unlucky
but love his little warm up before taking the kick. Neymar.
ouch. almost saved it. gotta hate playing brazil at the best of times, and this is the worst of times.
FLAWED WORLD CUP AGAIN
Btw keep an eye on Bernard, if everything goes even worse in Ukraine, I would not mind us signing him. I have watched him during the games against Viktoria Plzen in Europa league, and he has bags of talent, very quick and still 21.
I guess the Emir of Qatar has decided that Brazil must win. Not worth watching the rest. :0s
The Emir said “NO!”
what????
This is sick!
boy, they *really* want brazil to win.
Oh my did Croatia just get buggered.
Unbelievable.
and anyone watching not from brazil will see that, homer.
brazilians will love-in with neymar’s brace.
dirty dirty luis.
Some talent out there today we could sign. Perisic has been excellent for Croatia, Lovren is a decent CB the and Luis Gustavo looks the dogs b…….ks. Bernard needs a longer run to show what he can do.
And Oscar has been superb. I wonder if he is surplus to requirements now Cesc is at the bus stop
Good stuff from both Julio and Oscar!
Pletikosa is such a terrible GK.
well done, oscar. agreed lurky, he’s not very good.
still, that “penno” turned the game.
Pletikosa used to be a Tiny Tott. Figures!
Well he played for Spurs… well played…started in one Carling Cup game.
Angelic looking and talented but Oscar is still a chav reptile.
Well I called it! 3-1 it is!
๐
Nite everyone. Enjoyed the game and your assessments.
Be back Saturday.
@221
A) if your post wasnโt aimed at me, it should have been. I was someone amongst many others who ridiculed and will continue to ridicule your reaction to the youtube vid whenever you seek to defend it (unless youโre 12 years old, then maybe youโre excused).
B) Given that when you got all arsie because many didnโt share your hysterical tantrum, it was my words that you quoted, , it was a fair assumption that I was one, amongst others, that your post was aimed at.
C) Best have the bollocks to name names if youโre gomna post such nonsense, and you donโt want there to be any misumderstandings.
D) If you donโt want to be patronised, donโt behave like a five year old.
E) Iโd follow your own advice if I was you and watch the football. Itโs rather good. Far better than reading all that itk shit.
A) You can ridicule my reaction to the video as you can ridicule anyone that doesn’t agree with you here. I will however mention once more that you were WRONG and the whispered words in a press con appeared to be true. I have the impression that you canโt stand to be proven wrong do you?
B) Your fair assumption- says it all. Is it OK to have fair assumption then? Maybe it was just mine fair assumption that Fabregas is going to Chelsea, but I got ridiculed for it.
C) Haven’t seen you mentioned my name anywhere โฆ
D) Donโt behave like five year old, donโt read that itk shit, you are posting nonsense, stop your hysterical tantrum, are you 12 year old?, your emotional dishonesty, stop posting bollocks.
Chosen words there. I wonder why would anyone feel annoyed if you speak to him this way?
Am I using this disrespectful and childish- five years old kind of language when I am talking to you? If the answer is no, then why I am like 5 year old and you are the patron then?
E) Iโll follow my advice and watch football these days, and will enjoy it, thanks.
Gotta love the opening game of the WC. Not spectacular but enjoyable occasion lounging with a mate and putting a few Britneys away.
As for the Cesc news, well, meh really. Woulda been happy to have you back but now you’re just a c*@# I look forward to booing you.
Dear Fabregazprom,
Screw the Arsenal fans you grew up with, and join Chelski?
Screw your hometown Barca fans who love you, and choose Maureen?
You’ve practically wiped yourself out of the Arsenal and Barca history books. And as for Chelski, they don’t even have any history books.
We don’t miss you.. We won’t remember you.
What a joke of an opening game.
I honestly wonder, who appoints these referees?
If you were deaf, dumb, blind and stupid you wouldn’t award a penalty for what can only be described as one of the poorest dives you’ll ever see.
Of course, it doesn’t matter in the larger scheme of things, and neither do the smaller countries like Croatia, once we get a home result on the opening night is all that matters. Just ask Sepp. And if your going to be critical, its probably going to be a racist issue.
The highlights were Luka Modric and Ratkic – who were really superb and maybe along with Oscar, the only players who acquitted themselves.
But Brazil are poor. And how anyone in the football world can justify paying ยฃ50m for an imbecile like David Luiz, I will never know.
Lurky Old Son
I think you should retire gracefully mate.
You can never win a war of words with Tabs.
The best you can do is maybe get away with a score draw.
If you really wind him up there will be no end to the verbal carnage.
There is an old saying, ” walk away and live to fight another day ”
If he respects your point of view,you will get a drink of your choice at the bar,if not,well lets not go down that path.
Cheers
The Sweeper
I have just watched the news. Is it me or is Brazil a complete shambles??? Riots everywhere, police with baton guns and the pitch that England play on looks like a beach???? Just as well FIFA are a 100% honest and reliable organisation or otherwise there would be all sorts of accusations flying around????
Evening Sir Clive. I hope you and yours are all well.
I’m sure Lonestar will be in here later to examine the technical points and relative merits of Tabs’ and Lurky’s respective cases. ๐
In any case you both “brightened up” a rather dull World Cup opener.
If arsene is half the manager we all believe him to be, then we should see the positive side of him passing on cesc.
I am hoping this means only one thing – arsene has big plans to buy at the top, top level.
Sounds promising to me
All well Steve
As i trust your Gooner tribe are.
Just sen the ‘ penalty’ given to Brazil.
Absolutely daft.
Why for the biggest Tournament in Soccer, FIFA cannot just appoint the best 12 referees on the Planet and let them do all the matches,is beyond me.
The bloke masquerading as the ref at the tonights game was about 5 levels above his station.
Ludicrous.
Hope so Aussie – Gustavo please.
Joe, when was the last time you remember quality refereeing at the World Cup?
Agree with you on Modric and Rakitic, quality both of them, was impressed with Olic and Perisic and their rentless running too. Poor GK and no real LB cost them this match along with the referee decisions.
Wasn’t impressed by Brazil, wasn’t even expecting to be. It doesn’t mean that they will not win this competition, worse teams had won it in the past.
Clive,
wise words and clever advice, as I would have expected from you. My English is my weakness when words matter since it is not my first language and it is others people advantage, but I am still young and have plenty of nerves, rarely give up in life. I lack grace anyway.
Night all
Until we know what Arsene plans in terms of team- building we can’t judge his decision but it would be very hard to fit in Cesc without disrupting the strongest part of our team. When we signed Ozil I guess Wenger decided that Fabregas was not going to come back at a time that suited us and he has stood by that decision.
By the same token Cesc wanted to come back to us and we said no. That doesn’t seem an excuse to vilify him. The fact is he is a Chelsea player now and that happens in football. Let’s all move on.
Reflecting on Brazil it was really disappointing to see such a soft decision decide a game of that importance. This competition could be a watershed in football’s popularity if we see players simulating to that extent and referees unable to tell the difference. It’s becoming an epidemic and the game is so driven by huge potential prizes we are seeing gross dishonesty at times.
As I said a coupla drinks ago, if AW doesn’t sign Cesc it’ll be because he’s eyeing someone better. And at least half the reason Morewhineio signs him will be to spite Arsenal. Which is as good a way as I can imagine for the chavs to waste FFP loot. Good luck with that Maureen, I think you’ve been conned.
Interesting though that Morewhineio is doing big business already, while AW is on record as saying nothing will be done before the WC is over.
Cavani? With Manure rumoured to be offering squillions plus Rooney in part exchange? I can’t see us winning that. In any case, much as I doubt the wisdom, I would rate Balotelli a better bet at half the cost.
I just wish some of the solid Arsenal rumours would feature a bit more quality than the usual free transfers and B grade question marks. With quality players on the way out, and three places to make up, we need more than just replacements.
Surprise me please, AW.
รskar
Ttg, agreed about Fabregas.
He’s gone and all the bitching and hating won’t hurt him half as much as it will the bitchers and haters.
Move on. Support The Arsenal. Forget the ex hired hands.
As for referees –
seems they can’t tell the difference between baulk and stutter. ๐
Steve T @ 197, well said, mate. I probably was a trifle bit over the line with the troglodyte reference…not even Stoke deserve that ๐
Seriously, point taken. I was in midst of trantrum mode and didn’t really mean it. I don’t ever wish injury on a player, not even him…but how about 30 days of hemorrhoids, hives, and diarrhea? (sentence to be served concurrently)
8ball – @269…no way am I coming anywhere near that fracas. Thing is, I don’t even know how it started. Regardless, Clive gives good advice. Best to just walk away…
Case of Old Peculiar on the bar to toast Brazil’s shambolic display. Come ‘on USMNT – Don’t Tread on Me!
@ 274, Nah TTG, that’s plenty of reason to crucify hi-, um…who is that now?
I forget.
All good thanks Clive. I agree totally about the refs. We seem to have to go through this pantomime at every major tournament.
Well said Lonestar. The rest of your rant was spot on.
I really don’t understand why it’s so difficult for people to understand the decision to pass up Cesc. We can’t afford a ยฃ30M luxuries. Simple. Attacking midfield is the least position we need to improve on, of course, Cesc would have made us a better team but passing him up and signing a good defensive minded midfielder or a ยฃ20-ยฃ25M striker would make us an even more better, more balanced team. It’s true we’ve not signed any players yet but we’ve got time and options on our side. We could sign a player now and he ends up picking up a six months injury during the World cup, if we splash ยฃ30M on Cesc and, God forbid, Kos and Mert somehow pick up long-term injuries(stranger things have happened) how do we go about replacing them? I believe most big clubs know of the above possibilities and that’s why we will see more movement in the transfer market by early July. I know Chelsea and PSG have signed Luiz, Cesc and Costa but we all know if those players pick up any injury CFC and PSG will simply go out and spend the equivalent of what it took them to sign them on getting their temporary replacements, does anybody sincerely think we can afford that style?
I should add that most of the people I’ve seen who can’t seem to understand our stance on Cesc are on Twitter not here.
And that right there is why I don’t buy jerseys with players name on it. I make sure I get my name printed on it, because I will always remain a fan regardless. Oh well see ya Cesc so long.
And sorry for the lack of paragraphs, I’m typing on a stupid Smartphone.
Reina for ยฃ5 million. Remy for ยฃ8 million. Two useful additions to the squad at very reasonable prices. Both definite upgrades on the squad players.
Just saying.
Lonestar @277. Expertly judicious of you. ๐
If they truly want to have a successful happiness campaign they ought to order free Arsenal TV. ๐
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27790396
Re: Cesc
This all goes back to PSG and Luiz. When they spent ยฃ40-50m for a defender not even remotely close to being world class, I was furious.
Not only was it a big “f*** you” from PSG to the concept of FFP, it also gave Chelsea a massive boost to their transfer kitty.
Previously we had seen FFP having some effect on Chelsea, forcing them to sell players before they bought, which was hitherto unknown post Abramovich.
Now, thanks to PSG they have been able to buy Costa and Fabregas at a net transfer fee cost of ยฃ10m (although admittedly their wages bill will rise a lot as a result).
They can still buy another decent player and remain well within FFP this season.
So thanks very bloody much PSG. Thanks very bloody much.
Hi All
So he done it ! He sign for chelski because he has unfinished business in England *gags a bit as he throws up a bit in his mouth*
Couldn’t give a fuck ! Couldn’t wait to leave and as proven by countless others the grass didn’t appear to be that green as his own fans turned on him.
It does prove thou that transfers can and are done before a major tournament every time. It has nothing to do with these have been on the boil for a while as all transfers are on the boil for a while so that argument is dead before it starts.
As long as Le Boss is being paid by French TV as he can hardly be expected to live on 8M+ a year while others are doing transfers. I am a stone wall AW fan but I am not impressed by this one bit. Anyone who claims he is scouting while he is out there is mad. If he doesn’t know by now who he needs to buy or has ear marked then we are in trouble !
Any Hooo what can we do ?
Drinks for everyone *except Cesc*
fuck cesc. his dan is now chav.once a blue never a red.
geez DNA, not dan. now dan will be so angry with meโฆ.
thats better. steady on, dan.
arsenal1971@288, that’s exactly what I have been saying, this whole idea that u can’t sign players until after the World Cup is ludicrous to me. Before u know it it will be July and the clown Ivan, will still be there running his mouth about players that they are talking to. And before you know it’s August, I just don’t believe in his ability to sign players am sorry.
Oh, can I say something….?
Hello?…Heeeeeelloooooo?
Good. No one’s there, so I can use a foul word.
Fuck Croatia!
Ha!
I’m off.
hello from sydney
I feel that the cesc situation is like knowing that an old girl friend is back in town.
Very nice , but time to move on.
Don’t think midfield is any area that we need improving(no matter how good the players may be)
We also have Ganbry,Zalem, Eisfield in the background.
The money could be much better spend on 1 x attacker.
I still think Sonogo will be a monster! and a replacement for
our departing French defender.
Back to work
come on England & Australia
Don’t kid yourselves. At the moment, our options in midfield are the same players who were overplayed, under-rotated and injured in January and February. Our midfield is our engine. Next season, when we are scraping to put together a functioning midfield (after a couple injuries), I want to hear from all the folks who are talking about our other “pressing” needs.
Bottom line is you can never have too many excellent players. Never. We should have spent the 30 million, and then looked for more reinforcements.
Gnabry, Zelalem, Eisfield…you really think those guys are ready for anything more than COCup? seriously? I thought we had decided the youth project needed to be tempered with more reason…more pragmatism…more experience.
I’m ultimately concerned we don’t have enough bodies to be competitive across three competitions. THAT has to be the key principle. Sagna – out. Spanish bloke – we passed. We were already three players short this past season.
Not impressed with our efforts thus far, but, hey ho, we won da cup.
no worries lonestar
will keep on file and contact you next season
just my views
Affording the rare luxury of quoting myself, a few hours before the game started @76:
“Human mind is always looking for patterns and symmetries โ last time Brazil won the world cup, was under Scolari, and we had signed Gilberto afterwards. History to repeat with Gustavo this year?
I believe he went down couple of steps in the ladder of club football to better secure the starting berth in the world cup, but surely he is not going to spend the rest of his career playing in a mid-level Bundesliga club.”
๐
I think we will be back for him. Unless we are getting Javi Martinez or Ya Ya Toure …
Lonestar @ 295: I think we will get two more players who can play in the midfield, one in the pivote position (see above, Gustavo/Javi Martinez etc.) and another who is more of a winger (most likely left sided) but in our fluid formations wingers are natural extensions of the midfield (the way say Santi plays on the left).
Until Arsene writes his autobiography we would never know why he passed on Cesc, but I think the reasons might be deeper than the question of fitting him in the first eleven. It may have something to do with things he has spotted in Cesc’s game, or a question of attitudes or something subtler like that. Whenever you watch Cesc in Barca colors do you really see the player of 09-10 season, or someone who has evolved since then? He is still an excellent player, and Barca is a bit mad (they always have been weird about letting very good players go) to let him go with Xavi’s career coming to a close, but I don’t think Arsene can be accused of naivety, and I am sure there are footballing reasons to not bring him back.
Slips a pass past Cesc through the middle to the top of the box…
Please understand, I’m not attacking you Sydneyred. I just don’t understanding how people fail to remember how we felt just five months ago when our vaunted midfield was all shot to hell.
No Ramsey. No Ozil. No Walcott. No Jack. Tomas not able to play back-to-back games. Gnabry injured. Giroud run into the ground. Remember that? Remember dropping points to Swansea, Stoke, and Everton?
I do. Our team needs top quality to be sure, but we also just need some more quality bodies. Guys who can come into the squad and do a job. Maybe in the Cup, or maybe in that Saturday game after a grueling Champions’ League match. The spanish bloke definitely checked that box, and it is strategically short-sighted not to realize and act on that fact.
We definitely need a top shelf forward; cover for Jenks (who I do think is ready to step up); a replacement for Gilberto (who, god-love-him, should never be allowed to work as a television analyst); and cover for Chezza – but either we have the cash or we don’t. If we have the cash, it is malfeasance to not buy the spanish bloke when he is available.
But, I’m fine with waiting to see what the Boss has in store. I just think this chicken might come home to roost in about eight months.
Cheers, ECG, and I understand your points Dr. F. We will have to wait and see.
He’s still dead to me anyways.
Nice in Lonestar!
I would like to have seen Cesc back at Arsenal. But given the perceived relationship between Arsene and Cesc, I have to think Arsene either knows something about Cesc that we don’t know (which is highly likely) or he wanted to save 30mil to catch some bigger/more important fish, and thus chose to pass on him. (Although it kills me that he will likely improve Chelski).
I guess we will know more in August…
Understand your view lonestar
i think one problem nowadays is that Top Top players don’t want to be “Bit” players, they want to play every match.
So you get lower players who are happy with a team attitude.
am happy to be corrected that why this forum is so good.
we all love the arsenal.
read somewhere today that Lukaku knocked back West ham! and may go to wolfsburg.
Now he would be a good buy i think
Well do my eyes deceive me.!!
Sydney Red is back in town after a long absence,and we get not 1 post,but 3.!!
And if you reply to this,it will be 4.!!
A record for you methinks.
Anyway a little Birdie told me you might get a surprise on your doorstep one day soon.
Cheers
The Sweeper
Hilarious. Maybe because it has the ring of truth to it.
http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2014/6/12/5803866/jose-mourinho-welcomes-cesc-fabregas-to-chelsea
Arsenal1971:
It does prove thou that transfers can and are done before a major tournament every time. It has nothing to do with these have been on the boil for a while as all transfers are on the boil for a while so that argument is dead before it starts.
OK, fair enough.
As long as Le Boss is being paid by French TV as he can hardly be expected to live on 8M+ a year while others are doing transfers. I am a stone wall AW fan but I am not impressed by this one bit. Anyone who claims he is scouting while he is out there is mad. If he doesnโt know by now who he needs to buy or has ear marked then we are in trouble !
But you just said transfers are already afoot before the World Cup, so what does it matter if Arsene is in Brazil then?
SanAntionio:
this whole idea that u canโt sign players until after the World Cup is ludicrous to me
Who’s said that, though? Certainly not Arsene in any case. He’s said that there will not be many deals before the cup, not none. That is a very important distinction to make, and he has been proven right. Apart from Luiz to PSG (for a sum so ridiculous there is no way in hell that deal is entirely legit) and Fabregas to Chelsea, what deals of real significance have been made? Maybe Costa, but that hasn’t been confirmed. We are talking two or possibly three big deals – and you can certainly argue that Luiz is a big deal only in terms of money – in the whole footballing world. Bayern haven’t bought or sold anyone, Real haven’t bought or sold anyone and the same goes for ManCity and ManU. We have lost two players who were out of contract, one of which still hasn’t signed for another club. Et cetera et cetera. The main action will be after the cup or at least late on as teams start to be eliminated.
Lonestar:
At the moment, our options in midfield are the same players who were overplayed, under-rotated and injured in January and February.
True, but one of the reasons the midfield was stretched was that for large parts of the early season we were without Theo, Poldi and the Ox, which meant that we had to use more of our midfielders more often than ideal. With more options up front we could have rested midfield players more. Also, if we get a player who can take over from Arteta then I’d rather have that than Cesc. And if we would somehow manage to get Di Maria, well then I’d be doing cartwheels in celebration – and I can’t even do cartwheels!
That should have been “large parts of the first half of the season” in the last paragraph.
Great game of football last night.
After waking up from my coma after hearing about Cesc, I have done a bit of back drinking.
I must say that we all feel the same. That Steve T was right about Cesc. He’s now a filthy Chav and we have to accept it.
#Free Jackson
@ 69, I try to be as correct as I can ๐
Have to say I never saw it the way Steve t did re cesc turns out he seemed to be right,seems to me cesc was intent on making up for his wages cut he’s had these last few years,I’m happy that that dein bloke won’t be hanging round the stadium next year looking out for his client.33 million plus wages that would be a massive chunk out of our kitty.have to side with le boss on this one.
Morning all,
Crunchy Nut Cornflakes with a handful of raisins thrown in are the mutt’s….
Just sayin’. ๐
Have a nice day !
Oh no, after that Spanish bloke, can things get any worse. According to the beeb, Manchester Rowdies are “tracking” Alex Song.
Oh well, look on the birght side…
Hang on, that is the bright side.
COYG
I don’t get the criticism of Wenger commentating on the World Cup.
The geezer is a football obsessive. He’s going to be at the tournament watching games, one way or the other. Also, I’m fairly sure that he can manage to do more than one thing at a time: Utd’s new gaffer is at the World Cup managing a team and seems to think he can multi task.
I understood all this micro criticism of Arsene during the trophy drought, but now we’ve won something it seems daft: let him get on with it, he’s a very good manager and he’s been doing this long enough that I suspect he can work out what is and isn’t a good use of his time.
If he wasn’t at the tournament I bet we’d hear moaning about that too (“the world’s biggest football event and our manager can’t be bothered to get out there and scout some players, he’d rather be on the beach”).
Spot on @306 Lars.
No point buying players in positions already more than adequately covered. We have more attacking MFers than at any time in our history. So much so we have to play ‘some on the wing’. In the absence of a bottomless pit of money, signing another (no matter any past emotional attachments) compromises our ability to sort out the immediate requirements:
1) striker
2) defensive MFer
3) GK
4) RB
5) tricky winger with pace.
The Spanish fella who walked away 3 years ago can’t play any of those positions. How stupid would we be to waste ยฃ30m up front and a salary of another ยฃ30m over 5 years when we are desperate for cover in different areas?
I mourned him 3 years ago. We have moved on. He isn’t needed any more. His loyalty to Arsenal did not extend to him choosing not to sign for another English team. Another plastic.
and what N7 said re Wenger @313.
Better late than never !
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-transfer-news-arsenal-make-first-signing-of-the-summer-9532100.html
Steve T
Renia? The way he leaks goals? Not good enough for the Arsenal I’d rather Flappy anytime!
Actually, as someone mentioned here before, Stekelenburg would be a good backup option I guess. It is weird that he cannot get a game in Fulham but how much motivation can you have playing for that side anyway. Would be ideal what we need. A goalkeeper good enough to be no.2 and with enough ambition to prove himself to push Woj.
I can understand and respect that logic perfectly Bath.
And blogs this morning says much the same thing in a different way.
For me, and as Tabs alluded to earlier, and indeed as Blogs mentions too, that logic is fine once we have other world class players lined up. We spent all of last summer generally making a bollox of signing a striker and ended up with a creative midfielder in Ozil.
I don’t subscribe to the view that you pass on world class players just because we’re well stocked. Especially when Cesc, is a better and a more proven player than many of those we currently have.
Signing Cesc would instantly have made this summers window a success and would immediately improve our team. We should still have enough money to invest in a top striker or even two if we got someone like Remy cheap.
As for the defensive needs – Wenger has never spent good money on defenders. We’re currently playing Arteta in DCM after seeing bids for Bender and Gustavo fail, only to settle on Flamini, who of course, came as a freebie. This after we saw Gilberto, Flamini and Diarra leave without ever replacing them with a proper DCM. Instead we cultivated Song into that role. And he left too without being adequately replaced. At right Back, we Signed Sagna for some 6m who served us well, but I bet whoever we sign to fill that void won’t cost a lot of money either.
Jose has top class midfielders as well at Chelsea. Instead of worrying who he might stifle or how well stocked he was, he went and cut Frank Lampard to make room for Cesc. He then managed to get rid of an undisciplined liability in David Luiz for 50m which will just about cover the cost of both Cesc and Diego Costa. And this is a team, who put 6 past us at the Bridge last season.
So for me, passing on Cesc is only going to be acceptable if other world class players are lined up.
Lets see what happens.
226 – Cent, good to know someone he sits with Ivan at transfer negotiations and is privy to the inner workings of our summer business. Who are we signing this summer please, so I can relax about it?
‘And this is a team, who put 6 past us at the Bridge last season.’
And won fewer trophies.
If it helps. I heard on the terraces that we are in for somebody huge this summer. The position has not yet been confirmed, but I hope it’s a striker.
My belated two cents on WC prospects: It’s Brazil’s to lose, and they won’t if they continue to get the refereeing support they got against Croatia. Argentina will go deep, if only because winning it in Brazil is a huge motivator, but Messi will have to have his first good WC. Spain, though aging, still have a last tournament win in them. Germany and Italy are always good tournament teams. The Germans won’t score a lot of goals, but they will give fewer away; the Italians have the firepower to score lots of goals but their defence looks leaky. Italy are notoriously slow starters, too. If they don’t beat England, they might not get out of the group stages. Ghana would be my dark horses for a run to the semis. Can’t see England, Netherlands, France or Belgium getting past the quarters at best.
321 – we are all well aware that Chavski have no history, but the concern is getting us to make some more. To do that, we will need to finish above them. We had ground to make up in the league, no two ways about it. Plenty of summer left, but we will need to at least match what they are doing.
http://digg.com/video/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver-hbo-fifa-and-the-world-cup
Enjoy
Interesting to see Barca basically come out and say Cesc’s legs have gone yesterday. 1 goal in the last 24 games of the season 2 out of 3 years there.
We ran him into the ground from 16 to 24. Good.
UTA.
Pffft.
Here’s the Emperor with all his kit on, including a nifty new hat:
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/002/898/412/hi-res-f80e53660b6b4d86ebe5d30c968cf63e_crop_north.jpg?w=759&h=506&q=75
Joe @319.
I couldn’t agree more.
I endorse completely your words:
“that logic is fine once we have other world class players lined up. We spent all of last summer generally making a bollox of signing a striker and ended up with a creative midfielder in Ozil.”
I have been called out on the arses for saying that failure to sign a striker and DFMer and adequately replace the GK and RB departures will be unacceptable. I was asked “what will you do about it?” Nothing I can do but fail to renew the season tickets next June! But it will be unacceptable. The venom that will follow another stalled window will make last year’s dissatisfaction feel like a walk in the park for Arsene and Ivan. They need a good summer.
Jeez people, just enjoy the World Cup for now, worry about this summer’s transfers when it’s done.
Charlie knows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppqM4G9jJr8
hahaha this is funny ๐ http://player.arsenal.com/player/5184-knee-sliding…-an-investigation
Quick hello.
I’ve taken ‘holics advice and relocated to the beer garden. It’s been lovely weather here so I haven’t fired up the laptop in a few days, I will only go inside if the weather turns or the footy starts.
Speaking of which, how crap was that ref last night? Scandalous.
Stay well ‘holics and don’t let the BS get ya down.
Hello gooner since 54
Yes am back
Had bit of. A health scare in April. A heart attack on way to work!
3 stents later ready to play up front next season if arsenal wants
Happy to be breathing and talking to fellow gooners
Thank you N7 @333 for posting the link to the victory ceremony at the Emirates. First I’ve seen of it and what a historic moment.
and Bac confirmed to City now..well, I knew it will happen but still going to sting.
Man City old folks home fillin’ up fast. Didn’t Kolo and Ade used to live there before moving on to the great beyond? ๐
No disrespect intended to old folks, or to Sagna. Once I see him in the new shirt I do reserve the right to think differently though.
I am well and truly fed up with these players who love Arsenal so much they can’t wait to get away once they smell huge money, especially as none of them are exactly on their last few coppers when they go.
I hope he never gets a game.
Lars@ 306, I see where you are coming from with the few transfers that has been made. But you will forgive me if I don’t believe we have a great negotiating team that can’t get transfers done. I just fear that the players they want will go to the World Cup, do well and some other team will get them because we have a sorry ass negotiating team. That’s why I would have loved for them to get the players we need before the World Cup. Also those teams you mentioned, probably don’t need to get the type of players we need because they already have a rather great team. Truth be told I just feel we need a better team doing our transfer business, and Ivan should stick to bringing in commercial deals for us.
Fabianski
Clichy
Sagna
Senderos
Toure
Nasri
Fabregas
Van Persie
Adebayor
That’s almost our entire 2009-10 starting XI now playing for other Premier League teams. Most of them for direct rivals.
329 – I’d second that. We lost a GK, RB, and Striker form the squad this summer. Given we were 2/3 players short last season anyway – winger, striker, DM imo – it would be a regression and totally negligent not to replace what we lost and add what are glaring needs. (In the case of a striker, an obvious glaring need for at least 2 seasons.)
That said, I don’t see us not adding what we need. I think we will replace and add at least 2/3 on top of that for a total of 5/6 signings. Pure speculation, but I can’t see us spending paper money, say ยฃ10mil+ on more than 2 players, 3 tops.
Charlier @ 343: Good I say, they didn’t win anything for us, flattered to deceive and imploded at the crucial moments. Sagna excluded. Of course.
But yes, they played some lovely lovely football … and will always remember those.
So TR7, and Matthieu the original quitter, remain the only playing connection to the early days of Emirates.
TR7 has one more very good season in him I think.
I maintain that we do not need to sign too many players as long as we can keep the bulk of our first team fit for the whole season!
Can’t see us adding more than a striker and a right back to replace who we lost.. and maybe a goalie.
Do not see wenger adding more unless there be bargains!
That’s been his modus operandi all along and he said as much. IF we hadn’t lost Theo and then Ramsey and Ozil’s dip at the key points in the season we would have been right up there!
Up The Arse!
I gradually accepting the reason for not signing Fagregas. But I still fear that we will not sign any one special. God knows we need a very good striker, but I am just not sure we can pull it off. Pls Wenger prove me wrong.
He cesc he’s not coming bac……
Odds on a cute backheel to us in Chelsea’s penalty box next season?
As for sagna, still disappointed he didn’t find a way to play in other leagues somehow…
@343.
Of the list posted above, we could argue that only Nasri and Van persie leaving weakened us and strengthened our direct rivals.
Fabregas weakened us alright and was indeed the ultimate catalyst for the subsequent upheaval in the squad but he left the country.
All others on that list, barring Sagna, we would have paid at one time to leave the club.
346 – ludicrous if they decide to try and gamble, again, on going through a season injury free. Never happens for anyone, but certainly not for us. It’s why top quality clubs have deep squads, as opposed to ยฃยฃยฃ in a bank. We can and should spend what we have now the stadium is no longer so burdensome. By a disgrace not to reinvest in the squad, again.
UTA
Vela:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-plot-carlos-vela-transfer-3683622?
When is that bin-bag protest happening again?
Ivan and Dick and Arsene aren’t yet the well oiled machine that Arsene and David were. In fact we haven’t got any oil. Other clubs have.
I’m sympathetic to Joe and Bath’s viewpoint. We have in fact bolloxed the last three windows . Bids for strikers an hour before the last two windows closed, the retention of the sad joke that is Bendtner, the signing of an unfit midfielder in January and nobody else followed by the excuse that we lost the league because of the long absences of Theo, Aaron( happy wedding day old lad tomorrow) and The Ox. Last summer I understand we had done deals for Jovetic and Higuain and Wenger backed out at the last minute. Ozil was effectively signed by the Board. I think AW finds it almost impossible to spend big unless he is made to. Gazidis forced the Arshavin sale previously.
The signs are not good but let’s cut Arsene some slack ( and yes he should be at the World Cup) and hope that we get some progress soon. After the World Cup players go on holiday and we are then well into pre- season. I have commented I don’t like hearing us linked with do many players. It suggests a mind not made up. I hate Moaninho but he has acted decisively in the transfer market and significantly improved their attacking options. This summer a decisive Wenger mist deliver a clear vision of a title- winning team . So far as usual it’s two top players out the door and none in. We’re no longer a selling club we are a club that players defect from
Lars @306
“But you just said transfers are already afoot before the World Cup, so what does it matter if Arsene is in Brazil then?”
Our manager at the world cup for French TV or trying to get the deals done and dusted, I would prefer the latter. That is my opinion and not shared by most but we all have opinions and that one is mine.
So mobile phones don’t work in Brazil.
Who knew?
And totally agree with Cynic on Sagna.
The officiating has been so bad so far I’m surprised Lee Probert isn’t refereeing in this World Cup!
Dunno if anyone is watxhing bur mxco is getting hosed by the referee.
Two perfectly good goals disallowed.
And alex song lookspretty invisible. Mxco is controlling the game.
Charlie – we crossed posts.
Cheers!
Officials are almost as bad as the heads of FIFA!
Ludicrous! Revamp the system! Out with the corrupted b@sturds!
Mbia … Dirty player.
No yellow ????
It took a second or two for the penny to drop regarding zicoinexiles posting at 355.
The signing of Aaron Ramsey is also a testament to the wonders of modern communcation systems:
Quote from a retweet by Ramsey today- “The 17-year-old, the youngest player to appear for the Bluebirds at 16 years and 126 days in 2006, agreed a long-term deal with the north London club, who flew him to Switzerland for talks with manager Arsene Wenger.
“Arsene was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal,” said Ramsey. “He talked to me for a long time about the club, which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game.””
I’d rather Arsene worked 365 on transfers to, but this commentating gig is his summer holiday isn’t it? The only break he gets so up to him what he does with it, whether that is in public or not. (Within reason;)
All the top managers and agents will be in Brazil for the duration of the tournament, so our manager is in the perfect location to discuss incoming and outgoing players with people who can make these deals happen. I would be very surprised if he was not averaging over 12 hours a day in meetings and discussions.
Viva Mexico!! I only saw the last 30 minutes but they clearly looked the better side and if they can beat Croatia they will be through to the next round.
Agree with Cynic and zico on Sagna.
I’ll take a wild guess here and assume Sagna was on ยฃ40,000 per week for his first three years, and ยฃ60,000 per week for the last four.
That would mean he has earned about ยฃ18,500,000 for his seven years.
And despite his statement thanking Arsenal for giving him everything and making a man of the boy etc. etc. etc. we are supposed to be sympathetic to him wanting a big pay day at Man City as Arsenal were reportedly only offering him a potential further ยฃ8,000,000 or so over the next two years.
I know you can’t blame someone for taking whatever they can get but wouldn’t it be nice if just once one of our players would say they owe Arsenal everything and wanted to give something back.
Naive, ridiculous ? Sadly, yes.
Understandable Trev but they offered him a three year deal some time before we did and at a much higher salary. Had we given him three years from the off we might have done the deal. Not sure we always take the best negotiating positions.
what a pass by Iniesta to Silva..
and fuck you Dutch skunk, stop scoring wonderful goals like that
Goonertown @320, we are in for somebody huge this summer, the position is not yet confirmed but I hope it’s a striker.
Sorry, Goonertown, that was meant for El Puno.
Re Luis Gustavo I believe he wanted to stay in Germany to assure himself of a place in the Brazil squad for the World Cup. I think he felt a move to England would be disruptive and put his place at risk.
Sorry fellas with all this stuff about mega signings . I ‘ll believe it when I see it. We’ve had this so often and Ozil is the only mega signing we’ve made and Arsene was dragged kicking and screaming to agree that one.
And how exactly you know that ttg that he was dragged kicking and screaming to that deal?
Especially since he tracked Mesut since he was in Bremen, surely, if the opportunity to sign him appeared, he had to agree with spending the money necessary..since if รzil does not represent that fabled “top class quality” AW often mentions, I dont know who else does.
And when he was giving that interview where he said “we might have a surprise for you” and gave away that smirk of his, he looked hardly like someone who thinks “damn, so much money spent on one player”.
Just my opinion tho.
370 – jog on mate, PMSL
What a shambles for Spain lol
Boy oh boy, Spain is getting fucked up what the hell is going on?
But I will take Pedro for sure.
Takings up tonight, H2H ? ๐
“Dragged and screaming” to sign a player he’d admired for years and coveted before he went to Real that is. What a hoot!
Boy, when RVP is on, he is on.
On one or two of those goals it looked like Casillas’ CBs left him stranded. But on a couple… wow, he looked Almunia like: on walk-about.
Excellent to see Spain lose. Perhaps we’ll start hearing less of the tika-taka nonsense.
This holland manager done well to get a couple I decent attackers built into a really decent looking team with a bunch of domestic league no names behind them, more or less. Sort of guy that you wouldn’t want at Utd, good thing Moyes is there… Oh…
Tick tock Big Ivan, everyone around us is getting better.
We couldn’t beat Utd, City, or the chavs before December with everyone fit. Let’s not pretend injuries were the difference. Now we are down a super reliable right back to… Tick tock.
We have everything we need to go and win the league this season, but we won’t do it if we keep part of that collecting interest. Got to invest. Cost us last year and it will cost us again if we stand still. Ozil was great, but we clearly needed more.
Tough not to be worried now. Plenty I time and patience is prudent, but based upon the last 2/3 years optimism on transfer dealings is just very, very wishful thinking. Almost a worrying, apart from AOC, Gnarby who fell out of favour and maybe, maybe Jenks we don’t have anyone internally who looks ready to step up. We are thin from first team through the reserves.
Fix it please Arsene.
UTA
Spain show for the world to see they are the biggest bunch of football princesses with absolutely no team heart or fight.
Hilarious stuff all round
Brazils divers not far behind them
Yes, and suddenly am giving even less of a crap about AW not showing any interest in Costa. He was abysmal today.
Fitting – he was always flavor of the month.
El Puno … really now.
Give it a rest.
What is your “recommendation?” A whole new squad.
Tick tock?
383 – Balotelli is where it is at ๐
Say.. that Van Persie bloke looks good.. why don’t we sign him… Oh..!
Well he’s using up his quota of goals and playing time now. Time for another long rest next season!
384 – Replace what we have lost and add 2/3 players. That’s 5/6 in total. Perfectly reasonable. Wouldn’t need as much if we had done what we should have done the last 2 summers. The “whole new squad” line is diversionary garbage. We need to invest within our now considerable means.
Big Ivan doing his thing:
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/real-sociedad-president-in-london-to-close-e11m-deal-with-arsenal-to-keep-carlos-vela-cadena-ser/?
That’s ยฃ14mil they say between Cesc and Vela. Great stuff. Now use it.
Smooth, slow and easy Big Ivan.
374, I mistakenly thought it was Goonertown trying to take the piss at 320 and when I saw his post @322 I wanted to point out the irony by replying with what he posted @322.
And come to think of it I don’t see how my 226 suggested that I was privy to any Arsenal boardroom matters.
Sure mobile do work in Brazil, well at least he is giving Arsenal transfers his full attention. Bravo !
For the Spain side, I think it was mostly the fault of Fabregas, Torres and Azpilicueta. Don’t think Moaninho is relishing the prospect of contending with such shite.
But mostly Fabregas. ๐
So Spain has gone down in tears funny this is as soon as Barca gets it the National Team gets it.
Has anyone gathered any idea what El Puno wants the club to do.
Not sure I’ve latched on just yet. ๐
How many more years do Chelsea have to pay Torres? I bet they can’t wait until the end of his contract. No other club in Europe who can afford to pay him is willing to take him. Unless they are as stupid as Chelsea, that is. ๐
The Netherlands must have been scared when they saw Torres and Fabregas coming on as substitutes at the same time. ๐
After that performance I’m not sure we’ll hear too much more from the peanut gallery about how we should be signing Casillas as sure-handed backup.
Looking at the way Chile play, wouldn’t be surprised if they kick out the dutch or them spaniards!
Go Chile!
Alexis Sanchez has Arsenal all over him. Cracking player. What a signing that would been, if only…..
Until RVP’s goal just before half time Spain were the better side but Holland mashed them in the second half . I thought Diego Costa looked just like he has every time I have seen him- massively overrated . RVP looked several classes better. Blind mullered Azpilwhatever. Come on Chile!
One appeal for next season. Can all Arsenal supporters call our young German star Gnabry and boy bleeding Gnarby. I know we don’t do languages well but really!!!!.
El Puno I think we get the fact you want Big Ivan to buy some players. Let’s allow him to get on with it and not buy the nutter Balotelli
We win the league next year!
Just this feeling i have ๐
Game on! Was just about asking how the Aussies managed to score goal during qualifiers.
Goals, even.
I must admit to great disappointment in my fellow Holics that over 60 posts since Sydney Red @336 told us he had had a heart attack on the way to work in April and had had 3 stents inserted,and was just happy to be breathing,not one Holic has bothered to wish him all the best.
Are we so wrapped up in our own little world that a fellow Holic’s massive health scare is completely ignored.???
Very sad.
All the best Sydney Red.
Stay well.
Cheers
The Sweeper
I did note the post at the time and I’m happy for him but somehow managed to forget to acknowledge it. Sincerely wish you all the best, mate.
C’mon Aussies – beat these diving bastards
True aussie spirit starting to show v chile
Can’t help but be excited for Latin America at this first world cup in Latin America since 1986, if memory serves correctly. Brazil both hosting and winning the first game, and on the second day we saw victories by Mexico and Chile. Not only that but we saw a humiliating defeat for the “mother” country. Puta madre!!
All the best sydneyred, and take care of yourself. My bad for doing what Clive said. ๐
Maybe we can hope for a defeat for Portugal, the “other mother” country?
I didn’t see the post, but wishing you all the best ,Sydneyred @336.And do take it easy, one life to live.
Spain were the better side in the first half, Ttg? They had more possession, as they always do, but never looked like converting it into goals – except of course for the dodgy penalty when Diego Costalot collapsed after stepping on De Vrij’s foot. I felt The Netherlands took a while to believe in themselves, but when they realised how ordinary their opposition was they changed gear and simply blew them away.
Congrats on your recovery, Sydneyred. I had a coupla stents myself last year and they do make a heck of a difference. I didn’t really appreciate what angina was until I didn’t have it. It had been building up slowly since the major heart plumbing bypass surgery I had 20 years ago, but I just assumed it was old age. I cannot tell you how much less invasive stenting is to that kind of butchery. In and out the same day, and lots of new days to look forward to. Years even. I’m now far more confident about still being around to celebrate Arsenal’s first CL title. ๐
รskar
Oskar — you were right about the Dutch this campaign. As a bit of an Oranje supporter I never thought they would play this ruthlessly and this well organized. When did anyone see Robben put that kind of selfless work-rate for Netherlands?
That defense is still suspect, and the 2 wing backs would have much harder time against teams that actually use the flanks well, Germany or Argentina or even Brazil.
End of tiki-taka, I hope. This climate was never going to suit that ants-on-steroid style of pressing anyway.
Onya Clive. All the best Sydney red!
Sydneyred — congratulations on your recovery and wish you many more decades of joyful Arsenal supporting. Don’t let your cardiologist known which team you follow though. ๐
Diego Costa the perfect player for the moaning Portuguese bus driver at the bus stop.
Cheating to win penalties? check.
Head-butting opposition defender slyly? check.
Fortunately he doesn’t have the abilities of Drogba, but I guess these other characteristics probably more than convinced Moaninho.
Let’s see … Costalotmorethanhe’s worth signed, along with an Arsenal reject, and a quality defender sold to PSG. It’s all heading in the right direction down at the bus stop! ๐
รskar
Oranjeboom is my lager of choice currently, Dr F. I’d prefer English draft beer, but you can’t get that downunder sadly.
รskar
Hey now.
El puno i meant no offense so i hope i didnt offend … Too much.
Youre an Arsenal supporter and a vocal one. I applaud that.
A drink on my tab if you care for it. Im going for the Jameson 12 yr old tonite. A pale tipple to the expert drinkers here, but i really dig it. Ill pour one for you.
Now to be even more unpopular: Italy is my backup team as ive said before. When the yanks inevitably go out.
Gli azzurri by a goal or more tomorrow.
Please be gentle ….
Jenks mysteriously missing in N7’s footage @333?
Any news on Balotelli?
I’m struggling to hold it together, that falls through it might be the end of me.
UTA
bt8b – yeah Jenks was not at the parade at all since he had to travel to meet up with Englands U21s I think….must have been pretty heartbreaking for him to miss the parade through Islington.
We need someone like Alexis Sanchez…!
Quick, Calm and Deadly!
I do hope we get the replacements early but it seems like it’ll all probably happen only after the WC!
Cesc you ask?
Frankly, in the vernacular ‘I’m gutted’. My primary hope for this window was that Cesc would be freed of his DNA shackles, that we would exercise our option and be re-united with one of the most talented and passionate young men every to grace the green grass of Emirates Stadium.
I rarely (ever?) disagree with the boss’s decisions but this time, frankly, Arsene and Arsenal have got it badly wrong. Cesc is in his prime, he’ll be spitting blood to re-establish himself at the pinnacle of the world game. He is a leader and a winner, one of the great talents of the modern game and at the price he was sold, the bargain buy of the millennium.
So, sadly we’ll never see the dream trio of Ozil, Ramsey and Cesc drive us towards the title, rotating regularly with Santi, Rosicky and Chamberlain and covering frequently for LJW and Diaby injuries. Fuckity, fuckity, fuck.
I’ve written many words over the years in these fine drinks and Cesc was the player who invariably caught the eye of my pen and featured most prominently. Looking back, I enjoyed this one from December 2011. We were playing Villa and Cesc, our leader, our talisman our power source and our primary hope was injured and sitting on the bench. The Christmas spirit was afoot, chestnut were roasting on open fires……and Cesc was Cesc, magical.
“The sight of Cesc the Catallan sitting on the subs bench posed an early puzzler. If heโs not fully fit, why would we risk bringing him on? If he is fully fit, why isnโt he starting? All would eventually be revealed when Wengerโs Wand Waived and magic descended on the land at Christmas.
Arsenal looked crisp as the driven snow right out of the gaily wrapped box. Within three minutes we had a could have, should have moment when Eduardo could and really should have. The skill is clear for all to see but the touch and the confidence have yet to return to the twinkling toes of the shepherd from the land of Crozilia.
The tempo was unrelenting. Arsenalโs passing was crisper than the bacon on a pig in a blanket. In Cescโs absence, Song, Denilson and Diaby looked like the icing on the cake. A dazzling, mazy ‘pass and take’ run by Diaby had Her Nellieness gurgling on her Black and Tan.And when the Villanese ventured forward, Gallas and Vermaelen looked as solid as a Christmas Log. Young Thomasโ power headers are a pleasure to behold. While young Willie looked like a hare running from cookies knife when Yon Boglawhore came out of his wrapping.
Sagna and Traore snuffed out the Pantomime Villainsโ wing threat quicker than you could say Christmas Candle. All in all, The Gunnersโ defense was tighter than Ebineezer Scroogeโs book-keeping. The half-time score was fair but it was advantage Arsenal at the turn.
Then the magical minute 58 dawned. A young Spaniard was sighted arriving from a distant dug out. The roar inside Circus Maximus reached near crescendo. Crescendo itself was reached twice in the subsequent 28 minutes, when two Christmas gifts of near mystical magic suddenly appeared in the back of Villaโs net.
And almost as suddenly as heโd appeared, the young wizard walked off into the gathering gloom and was suddenly lost from sight. Only for another brilliant star to rise and shine just before the Bells of Saint Emirates pealed Oh Come All Ye Faithful Gooners.
Sydneyred: all the best.
Uncle Charlie: Fabianski, Clichy, Sagna, Senderos, Toure, Nasri, Fabregas, Van Persie, Adebayor were a much better set in 2009-10 than they were 2014-15. Apart from Sagna, Cesc and RvP, none would be a serious contender to start in the current team.
Sydneyred,
firstly, best wishes for your recovery.
Clive alerted me to your condition in a quick back drink – I’d given up reading posts yesterday and taken to skimming them ‘cos the intensity over speculation was driving me mad.
I had a huge number of good wishes after my surgery this year and every one meant a lot. So here’s to you.
Sydneyred: do take care of yourself, life is quite precious, and hopefully Oscar’s words will give encouragement regarding stents, etc.
On another note, rumors say that Santi would like to leave Arsenal for Atletico Madrid. Any news on this holics?
What a match last night! Robben, gotta hand it to him, was superb.
Yes Peter,
Apparently it’s written into his contract that he can go wherever he likes at the end of December.
Seems it’s called the Santi Clause.
Hey, Peter – you just keep feeding me the lines. ๐
All the best SydneyRed. Stents are one of today’s medical miracles. Stick with the pills, a bit of daily exercise and you’ll do well, mate.
Turning to the football, I share the emotional response BtM but as long as we buy the top class striker, top class DMFer and good replacements at RB and GK, the team will be stronger next season than if we had added Cesc to the already overstocked attacking MF slots. At ยฃ30m up front and ยฃ30m wages over 5 years his signing would compromise our ability to bring in top drawer players where we definitely need to strengthen.
I tend to support Steve T’s analysis of the majority Gooner reaction to the departures of Cesc and RvP. Cesc chose to leave us when we needed him most as we had built the team around him and he had just extended his contract. He chose not to return to us last season and we signed Ozil. Barca want rid (why so desperate?) and we don’t need more cover in Cesc’s position. We opt not to pick up the option. He chooses to join Chav$ki. He may claim to always be an Arsenal fan but tbh it seems more plastic than diehard.
Agreed, bath, and fine wishes to you, sir.
Why are Barca so keen to get rid of Cesc?
Well, last summer I said here that I thought Wayne Rooney might have run the best out of his legs at 28 as he had been playing in the Premier League from the age of 17. Rooney, in fact, appeared to be in fine fettle for the first half of the season, but then ?
The same might apply to Cesc. Barca’s own not so classy comments on his departure would indicate a fairly sharp drop off in the second half of two of his three seasons there.
He has been a box to box midfielder at first team level now for 11years. Maybe his stats would point to his best years being behind him.
Trev: ooh, you are awful…but I like you! ๐
I feel somewhat buoyed on hearing those words BtM. For a minute, I thought it might have been me loosing my marbles considering the passive acceptance that seems to permeate some people on this forum about reneging on the Cesc option.
I think people are very mistaken if they think along the lines of “Well if Barca didn’t want him, and Arsenal didn’t want him, then there must be something afoot with Cesc”โฆโฆ. Consider for a moment all the teams that did want him?
I believe that Cesc was never going to be given a chance to establish himself in Barca because of the Iniesta / Xavi axis. These players have won CLs, European Champions and World Cups. The same scenario has been happening at Real Madrid with Iker Cassillas. When Mourinho dropped him, there was only going to be one eventual outcome. How can you drop the captain of the World Cup winning team? Cesc needed freedom and that was only ever going to happen at the expense of either Xavi or Iniesta. The chickens will come home to roost in Barca next season when they realise that the hunger and appetite of those players are gone and change is badly needed. In much the same way, that realisation is beginning to come to the National team after being humiliated last night by the Dutch who out-fought and out-thought the Spaniards.
I note already that there were some reports of Wenger being irritated by questions about Cesc at the WC. If Cesc goes on to play well for Chelsea, you can bloody sure that the same goading questions will be asked of Wenger at every weekly press conference. It is in my view, a catastrophic mistake and a pivotal moment in Wengers career. One which may haunt him for years to come.
Quick visit.
Not too bad that from NL last night. The bar was bumping and the whole nation is buzzing today.
Hope England can do the same tonight.
Take care all.
Back to the beer. …..
Best wishes, SydneyRed.
BBC leading a campaign to bring Sven-Goran Eriksson back to the England camp? ๐
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27847989
Or maybe it’s a campaign to get Sp*rs fans ready for Eriksson as the next Tottenham manager in case Levy loses his nerve when Pochettino doesn’t win his first 10 games in charge?
Yesterday Hodgson was trying to lower expectations, but today he has come out with this, as quoted on the BBC website:
England manger Roy Hodgson has compared striker Daniel Sturridge to a teenage Pele about to launch himself on the world stage.
“He is an extremely gifted player and he’s shown that with great aplomb with Liverpool,” said Hodgson.
“We only have to look at Pele in 58. He wasn’t even well known in Brazil when he arrived at that tournament at 17 and he went on to become one of the most famous players of all time.”
If I were Sturridge I’m not sure I would want that comparison to be perfectly honest. ๐
So, with Hodgson is it a case of “Keep those media bastards guessing” or “I don’t know what the hell I’m doing”?
Sorry Joe, and this is not aimed solely at you, but this intensity over transfer wishes is really irritating me. You say,
“I feel somewhat buoyed on hearing those words BtM. For a minute, I thought it might have been me loosing my marbles considering the passive acceptance that seems to permeate some people on this forum about reneging on the Cesc option.”
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you, or anyone else, has lost their marbles or gone mad simply because they don’t share the same opinion.
And if passive acceptance of the Cesc situation is not up to requirements, what active option did you have in mind, may we ask.
And as far as I know, Wenger has not ‘reneged’ on anything. As I understand it, reneging only applies to an agreement, promise or commitment. What Wenger had with regard to Cesc was an option.
An option he simply decided he didn’t wish to take up.
I was previously of the opinion that we should have taken him back, but having read all the better reasoned posts on the subject, I have changed my mind and actually achieved the high state of ‘meh’.
Different opinions, changes of mind, they’re all allowed without being a sign of madness or weakness.
There are drinks on the bar for you and others – but can we please reduce the divisivness. We don’t even know what Wenger’s plans are yet. And make no mistake, I will be as angry and disappointed as the next man if they are not all we hope for them to be.
So Buffon is also out of the England match… what’s that? 3 key players already out?
Can only expect England to win this one.
Ospina is not a bad GK, good first half, would be welcome addition to our squad, Arsene interested according to reports.
Plenty of talent this Colombia side. Pace and trickery, joy to watch them.
Lots of happy Colombians in Belo Horizonte so far, and it looks like they have a lot of great young athletes in their team.
Top post @441 Trev. 100% with you.
We are all on tenterhooks and awaiting events. “Whistling in the dark” you might say. The jury is definitely ‘out’ on this summer.
Hope the knee is coming along nicely, Trev.
Drinks on the bar for all and sundry. “Dutch courage” you might say. If last night is anything to go by, it’s a commodity well worth having.
Trev, I genuinely appreciate your attitude to the cesc thing. For me it’s hard to know just how to feel, and in reality, until the transfer window closes we won’t know quite what to make of it all.
But why berate those of us who are well and truly gutted about it all? Remember we’re talking about Arsenal turning down an option to re-sign Cesc Fabregas, and then Fabregas going to Chelsea. Re-read that last sentence. Read it a couple more times if you need to. I’m sure we all appreciate your detatched sense of decorum about it all, and I get that it was a very complicated decision for the club and there’s more than one way to look at it. But I think we have a right to feel completely shitty about it, and to vent on here in what might feel to you like hyperbolic terms. I’m personally not at all sure they are.
glincoln,
If you re-read my post a couple more times you will see I am not in any way berating anyone for being gutted about it. I was truly gutted when Cesc left.
What I am “berating” is the attitude that one party or other must have lost their marbles if they dare to disagree.
A fairly fundamental difference I’m sure you’ll agree.
Passion is what supporting your club is all about. Sadly, I cannot feel it or torture myself with it over a player who refused to play for us in order to force his move away, and has now chosen to join a near, detested rival who take the piss out of us for not having their money.
I agree you have a right to feel completely shitty about it and say whatever you want on here, as long as Holic permits it.
Vent away all you like – you’ll get no grief from me.
Just don’t imply I’m a bit mad for not agreeing with you.
Ta.
http://gidigooner.blogspot.com/2014/06/he-was-our-cescbut-now-hes-just.html
Goonsterham lincoln, I didn’t read Trev’s post as berating anyone.
I read it as the statement that we are all in limbo at the moment and have complex emotions about Cesc and our declined option and especially about him turning up at Chavski
“Different opinions, changes of mind, theyโre all allowed without being a sign of madness or weakness.” is hardly berating.
I think we are all genuinely concerned and we are all allowed to express our concerns in this bar as long as we respect others’ opinions.
Most importantly he pleads (not berates):
“……but can we please reduce the divisivness. We donโt even know what Wengerโs plans are yet. And make no mistake, I will be as angry and disappointed as the next man if they are not all we hope for them to be.”
We are all in this limbo together. Fingers crossed activity in the market over the next few weeks has us all a one and excited about the new season. Please, DB10, let it happen. ๐
Watching fresh Jackson against tired Greece defenders really does not convince me so far that he is exactly Arsenal material. Poor touches and not really giving Greek defense any problems.
Trev and bath. Completely fair from both of you and I apologize for jumping to conclusions. You’re right, there are many different ways to feel about the Cesc situation, most of them not “mad” or ridiculous. That’s wise and needed to be said. I’m holding up my hands.
Agreed Eandy – we need to do better.
Goonsterham, drink on the bar mate. We are all feeling a bit raw this week I think.
@450 – the finesse and touch of a horse, I’d say. Doesn’t look world class to me and wasn’t even second pick for the starting role up front.
Eandy – agree on Jackson M. Seems like we should do better than the third choice striker on a 2nd (?) tier national team.
Cheers bath.
Very fair glincoln.
Drinks, as ever, all round.
Trev, bath, cheers.
Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the summer?
It looks like it could be time to get ready for the ola colombiana to hit the Premier League soon.
Hmm. Uruguay-Costa Rica. I’d bet on a Latin American winner in this one too. Or at last for one of the teams to snatch a draw. ๐
Trev: re the Cesc debate: I commend you for embracing the words of John Maynard Keynes, “When my information changes, I alter my conclusions. What do you do, sir?โ
Cesc has decided to come to London because that is where his lady is, and in those circumstances he has done what anyone would do, taken any job be can get, however unsavory.
Is Campbell starting for Costa Rica? Would love to see how he has progressed!
Super excited about Rodrigo Caio, this is just what we need. Very encouraging stuff. Get it finished Arsene ๐
Put him and Balotelli in the squad and we are really making progress.
UTA
Would love a bit of Cuadrado as well. Those three and we are in some serious gravy.
UTA
Hi everyone.
Back drinking. Sydneyred, hope you are doing ok. Scary stuff ๐
Wishing you the very best in total recovery. xx
Come on Joel.
Anyone know what is happening with The Panther? Would love to see him back with us to get a shot, looks quality.
UTA
I think we should take Campbell back … judging by what i’ve seen so far… got past a player with ease and likes to shoot from far!
Joel, what a shot! CR best player by far.
BB, if I am Arsene, I would loan him to a PL team this year and follow his progres till January. If he can score a cracker vs United, he can score vs other PL teams and help us indirectly.
Lurky,
That would be ideal, but if we don’t find a striker of real calibre to compliment Giroud then judging by what i’ve seen, Campbell isn’t too far off!
Think he’ll get a couple in this WC! Against Uruguay he’s up against one of the better defences! With Godin and Lugano!
Go Campbell!
Campbell is the nuts. Would be a good option behind theo on the right I reckon.
Sign him up Big Ivan
..and while we’re at it ..get the Costa Rican goalie as well!
Maybe Everton could use Joel Campbell if they don’t or can’t keep Lukaku? Roberto Martinez is commentating on the game and he seems to have been impressed.
TAKE HIM BACK! What a COOL finish!
JOEEEL!
Joel! Well deserved. Bravo.
1.5M quid fellas, 1.5M.
Best player on the pitch just scored. Imposed himsel on this game. Hugely impressive.
UTA
#Likeanewsigning
quality…campbell’s looked the class of this game so far.
@476
he pays what he wants
he pays what he wants
arsene wenger. he pays what he wants.
hahaaaa ๐
If ENgland and Italy think this is a shoo in… well they have another thought coming!
Uruguay is such a mess defensively.
Thoroughly deserved. No pushovers this lot. Fabulous scenes.
Had a soft spot for Costa Rica since watching the 5-3 at the chavs in San Jose. They love their football.
UTA
maybe the summer non-transfer window won’t be so bad after all.
WOW! Campbell…nearly there!
Sign him up…. but we did! ๐
wow…what a shot
That Joel Campbell ain’t doing too badly tonight is he?
Danish BBC raw for Campbell here, lapping it up ๐
Campbell is a handful for them.. hope we get him back ASAP!
One can only wonder who is the 50m player in this match, Cavani or Joel.
I wouldn’t pay 5m for the Uruguayan. OK, maybe I would. I would pay even 10m.
But not a penny more. We paid that amount of money for Giroud and it is Cavani who can learn a thing or two from Giroud, not vice versa.
what a pass
What a game.
what a pass by Campbell
An assist from CaMPBELL!
WOW WOW WOW! Are england and italy in trouble now…!
A goal and an assist
Sign him up. We have!
Give me Joel over Remy every day of the week. What an assist.
Navas their goalie has been superb.. good in the air and solid stopper!
Credit where it is due, this is wenger at his finest. A young star taking over a World Cup game and we did the deal three years ago. If we’d just paid ยฃ15mil for him folks would be drooling with excitement. We should be now to IMHO.
Big Ivan. Here comes the thunder.
Uruguay are the worst South American team in this tournament by far. Impressed by Columbia previously.
COme on Campbell..GET IN!
๐
Uruguay should be out… DIRTY TEAM!
Brilliant Refereeing!
and a red?
Sign him up
El Puno, you remember when we signed him and almost everyone was angry at Dick, for wasting two weeks of the transfer period to work on the deal for some unknown Costarican. And almost no one believed in him.
Just like Sanogo is treated from most of the fans at the moment.
Interesting thing is that Arsene himself said that signing Joel is a big risk. Arsene said that signing Sanogo is a big risk too.
Money spent for both of them. 1m.
They are both going to be great for us.
I have to admit I celebrated the goal to 2:1 almost with same gusto like I celebrate Arsenal goals. Campbell head and shoulders above any other player on the field, surely Arsene has to bring him back to our ranks.
Danish TV raving about Campbell, called it the best performance of the World Cup so far!
UTA ๐
Joel Campbell good first half. Great second half. Sensation of the tournament so far.
if that shot he tried for his second goal which went whiskers away the post went in, pretty much all media would have collective wankfest…until they would realize he is Arsenal player.
Campbell he can shoot and he can pass and he can play on the wings or as a lone striker.. but can he celebrate?! : https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqHd5A_IgAEDjyk.jpg
Someone’s taking notice already, they are fast aren’t they? :
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140614/superb-campbell-scores-in-costa-rica-win
Lurky @ 504: I think Arsene’s decision to let Campbell get experience of what it means to fight in the top tier instead of throwing him in the reserve was very astute too. He showed great maturity today, holding on to the ball at the very end. As a number 9 he didn’t just blindly attacked all crosses and long balls but dropped in when necessary, and arrived at the box at right time.
This was a highly impressive performance, full of self-belief and intelligence, and if you consider he was playing for one of the minnow nations against a so-called top team, the composure was all the more worth praising.
Technical abilities he always had…but I think the mental side shown today would impress Arsene.
That assist though…wow!
Loved seeing Campbell wave the central defenders back to their own half in the 92nd minute. Went mad at it, showed real awareness and authority.
Hubba hubba Big Ivan.
Seeing Campbell going for the corner flag in added time reminded me of.. Henry!
๐
Dr. Faustus, I think that Arsene knew from the start that young Joel has something different from other Latin Americans he purchased lately, like Galindo, Botelho, Welington Silva etc.
That is why he has been offered to Betis, Lorient and Olympiacos and the other were playing for second or third division clubs in Spain.
I think that the fans start to realize what talent he is after that great goal vs Spain in some friendly game as I remember correctly. At least it was the moment when I realized that he has not just the technical level but also the required audacity and arrogance.
Imagine him under Arsene guidance. However, if I am Arsene, I would not forbid him to shoot from distance. His shot is such a powerful weapon.
BB@497: Levante’s keeper. Had an excellent season in La Liga. Ruiz looked good to. He was very frustrating in Fulham.
Giroud as the focal point up front in a 4-3-3 with Campbell and Balotelli!!! Just imagine. Woof woof.
Big Ivan more a giver than a taker I reckon.
Keylor Navas was the best GK in La Liga this season, according to many pundits and La Liga experts.
Not sure who was officially the best GK, maybe it was Curtois, but playing with Miranda and Godin and playing behind Levante defenders is a huge difference.
There was some talk that Barca want him, but I think they opted for Ter Stegen and Bravo instead. It would be nice if Arsene tries to get him for Arsenal, but his price is quite high and Ospina who is much cheaper option (3.5m) had great game for Colombia previously.
504 – I was pulling my hair out for a week for us to get that done, I remember it vividly. One of the best transfer sagas in recent memory. Arsene at his finest.
Balotelli so unlucky with that impudent chip. What a talent. What a signing he would be.
Do your thing Big Ivan.
UTA
#Free Balotelli ๐
Jackson only got 15 minutes. But he was on it.
LJW
Get in
On balance England should get a draw out of this game. Not enough end product
520 – I second that emotion ๐
23 years old. Leads the line for a top footballing nation. Good strike rate for his age. (Compare Cavani aged 19 to 23, not close.) And a snip at the price. Make it happen ASAP.
#FreeOurBalotelli
Cavani please. Anyone who don’t want him ain’t much of an itk.
‘Big Ivan’, heh….if only he was actually big where it matters. I wouldn’t trust him make a good transfer move if his job, his family and everything he holds dear were under threat.
Live in hope!
Knowing he was an Arsenal player, Joel Campbell seriously came across my radar when playing for Costa Rica v USA in a WC Qualifier in Sept 2013. He was the lone striker but terrorized the US defence on his own. The USA lost 3-1, their only loss in the WCQ and Campbell scored too. That performance convinced me he was ready. I’ve even posted here awhile back I’d like for him to return from his loan. He also has Champions League experience. At 21, he’s ready and a hell of a prospect imo.
I’d love to have Balotelli too.
Although I could live with Campbell & Remy. Add in Walcott & the OX and we have ourselves some serious pace offensively.
Certainly more options for Ozil than he has now.
COYR’s
Currently watching Ivory Coast v Japan. RB Aurier has put in two great crosses headed in by Bony & Gervinho to put them up 2-1. He looks very useful.
“weโre talking about Arsenal turning down an option to re-sign Cesc Fabregas, and then Fabregas going to Chelsea.” – Goonsterham Lincoln #446
——————————————————————————–
That simply says to me that AW didn’t think he was worth re-signing. And if he’s not good enough for Arsenal then the fact he’s now at the bus stop has to be a good thing. In my opinion Morewhineio has spent a heap of ยฃFFPs he could have found better value for … just to spite us.
รskar
Motm performance from young Campbell today. Very much in the Theo mould, and looks good enough already to be vying with him up front next season.
An excellent showing from England as well. They didn’t deserve to lose, although the shooting was poor. How much bigger do they want the goal to be before they can get the occasional shot at least on target?
รskar
Based on their spectacular performances today we will be in the money if we have Campbell and Aurier both at Arsenal next season.
Japan so unlucky but Aurier looks impressive.
Nice beard too ๐
No one in the world football today can control a game the way Pirlo does. Thirty-five years old and simply cruised through the match tying everything together and didn’t look to be bothered too much by the conditions at the end. Just head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch.
On the other hand age seems to have caught up with De Rossi, too many mistakes.
Some lovely play down the right wing from Candreva, gave Baines a horrid time who was not given any support by the midfield.
SydneyRed – glad they got you fixed – it’s often a very very close thing so good news seeing you back.
And you can take the man from Arsenal but you can’t take Arsenal away from the man. Poor Gary Lewin – an unfortunate and unexpected fracture dislocation celebrating a goal. Particularly Arsenal I thought. A drink to his and Red’s recoveries.
Doctor Faustus,
Pirlo and Candreva were running the show for Italy. Pirlo’s game is based on intelligence not muscle, always was.
I was impressed by Candreva too and also by their RB- Darmian. This is the first time I ever saw him play, I don’t watch Italian football that much. Calm and composed in defense and brilliant and imaginative in the attacking third.
There are so many excellent RB this tournament so far.
Darmian, Aurier, Uchida, Jaanmat. Add Coleman to that list and hope that Arsene picks the right one for Arsenal.
Thanks to all for wishes.
Up at 0800 to watch england.
Must admit don”t get the same nerves that i used to when watching them
which may be good in current situation.
Thought sterling started well but faded.
Rooney did not do enough for a player of his “stature””
Wellbeck forgot he was on.
Sturridge ok
Gerrard again not enough
Italy unfortunatley just seem to have that extra class’.
Here we are unhappy with aussie score but at least they fought…which any aussie team will do ,even tiddlywinks.
Poor old lewin . fell to the gunner curse. understand he is out for 6-8 weeks.
I see Aurier is getting credit for two crosses but may be defensively flawed. Anyone watch the game and think the Japanese RB (with whom we have also been linked) is a better bet?
I think Aurier could flourish under out system of play
Before we get too carried away by Joel Campbell’s MoTM performance against Uruguay, we should remember he managed just 11 goals and 12 assists in 43 games for Olympiacos, and two in 33 games for Real Betis before that.
Bath, I think Uchida looked positions himself better but I think Aurier is the better right-back overall and is better built to suit the physical demands of the EPL.
NED, on Campbell I think he is not quite ready to be a starter for us but he can definitely do a job for us as a squad player. I think it would better for his development if we loaned him out to a PL club like Everton then recall him if we are hit by an injury crisis but my main concern is that I think he has just one more year left on his contract.
NBN, not that I expect Joel to come and take PL by storm but he is a good player and those numbers you posted for him at Olympiacos are quite good.
The Greek league is tough and most of the teams there play like their national team- very defensively minded. Take notice that he is not playing as a striker there, but on the right wing, so double-double for a winger is not bad. I think that someone like Iniesta for example would be quite satisfied with those numbers.
It is very pleasing to see the biggest divers and poor sports such as Uruguay and Spain get hammered.
They both are diving and acting as a true skill and artform.
Lurky knows @541.
Nbn@538 – Campbell has one thing we sadly have missed and lacked for some time regardless of his age and inexperience.
He has pizzazz and fight and danger and trouble and makes stuff happen.
What he is not is, boring.
He is not boring and We have become very boring to watch.
Tic a tac football is boring.
Bring back power and speed and high tempo and characters.
Look what happened to Ivory Coast as soon as drogba came on, he made stuff happen and that’s what young Campbell does.
He is trouble and danger and maybe we need a bit of that.
Bring back Campbell as a squad player, add Remy and that Chilean speedstar. There goes your forward line. Give me Martinez or Khedira, now we are really making some noise and finally my right back, Aurier. Give me that premier league title. COYG!!!!!
Wouldn’t mind too much if Campbell joined us in the absence of the the availability of any quality striker. Gives new dimension to our attack, and did you see the assist? Sublime.. pure Arsenal material.
Am more concerned about our defence, who is going to replace Sagna??
Settle that and with Theo and Diaby(?) back, it does seem like a new team!
Trev @ 441,
I have no wish, to make your life anymore difficult or unpleasant than its already been, but suffice to say, that I disagree with you.
It is you who labels my comments as being divisive, but the reality is that the Cesc scenario is just one of those hot topics that will inevitably divide the fanbase. On this forum, there are people who hold diametrically opposite views to mine. Yet they take no offense and there is still mutual respect and friendship.
It amuses me to think that people who claim to have achieved such a โhigh state of Mehโ or indifference about the entire Cesc affair still seem to be so easily irritated on the subject. I wonder why that is?
People who largely know me by this stage on the blog, will appreciate where my loyalties lie in relation to Wenger, even if I think he’s made a complete Cock-up of the Cesc situation irrespective of who he signs.
As to your observations in my use of language, well I think that reflects far more on you Trev than it ever will on me.
Relax and enjoy the weather. There’s no ill-will meant to anyone on my part Trev. And the next time I’m in London, I’d be delighted to buy my virtual friend a real drink..!
Lurky@534: Yes, I liked Darmian too. AC Milan youth system apparently, now plays for Torino. Probably Juve will snap him up, with Lichtensteiner not getting any younger.
As Cent mentioned, Aurier likely to be more suited to the rough-and-tumble of PL, but my one worry about him would be the Nations Cup absence. If we sign Aurier we should definitely sign another CB who can cover in RB if needed. We are Arsenal, it is only natural that when our one RB is out the other one (Jenk) would be injured exactly at the same time. ๐
Pirlo’s autobiography is called “I think therefore I play”. ๐
Afternoon all.
Tempreture has dropped a bit here in the Lowlands, so I have dragged myself out of the beergarden and managed to do a full back drink.
Firstly and most importantly, sorry to hear of your health scare Sydney’ and hope for a speedy recovery.
—-
Oskar. Oranjeboom?
I haven’t seen that for years in The Netherlands, literaly dissapeared here in the mid nineties.
—-
The Cesc stuation.
I think I’ve made my feelings on how I felt he left us in the lurch pretty clear, he ceased to be of any importance to me three years ago. For the record, as also previously stated, I would of welcomed him back as I feel you can’t have enough world class players in your squad, but the man who makes those decisions, a man who was stuck by us through years of austerity, even to the point of putting his reputation and legacy on the line, even when offers from bigger clubs came pouring in, has decided against it, so that for me is that. That he has signed for the dispicables is not Arsene’s doing, that was his choice and his alone. If he loved Arsenal so much then he shouldn’t of left in the first place, his childhood team, who didn’t think him good enough to start with, have released him again, he’ll never have it as good as he had it with us and he is the one who will have to live with that, but I’m sure as with most proffesionals, his fat weekly cheque will comfort him. Meh status has been reached.
*Applauds Trev on his contribution.*
—–
I’m not going to get involved in all the speculation on who we may or may not sign because frankly I find it all a bit tedious, the Silly is not one of my favourite seasons. If it is your thing then by all means knock yourself out. I decided after the anguish, pulling out hair and biting of nails last season that this time around I’m just going to watch it all unfold in chill mode, what happens happens, we alll know what we need and hopefully so do the club, I’m just going to let them get on with it while I, weather permiting spend the summer in the beer garden, I’m definetly not going to go into meltdown because nothing has happened yet, if the situation is the same when the window closes then I too will be sharpening my pitch fork and rumedging through my closet for a fackel to help you all run who ever we deem responsible out of town, in the mean time, chill, sun, beer and the footy, speaking of which………
So, the WC is in full swing, must admit I was pretty lacklustre in the build up, but now it’s started I’m thoughourly enjoying it, great games, every one of them has had a twist or two, plus a lot more goals then the previous competition at this stage.
Strangely I find myself a lot more emotionaly invested in how Oranje do then I am in the fortunes of England, it’s probably because of years of unsavoury charachters in the Three lions set up, but also maybe because of the decades I have lived here and the fact that the Oranje games are watched with a lot more people, punters and friends here in the bar. Friday’s game was mad, a real roller coaster and it was amazing that NL beat the reigning Euro and World champs. To answer Trev’s question above, I had a good night, but, I did a promotion offer, offering a free beer for every goal Netherlands scored, it seemed like a good deal at the time, because Spain hardly ever conceed……….
OUCH, they nearly bankrupt me. ๐
Seriously though, it was a great night and they’ll all be back on Wednesday for the next Oranje game plus a few of the others.
I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
Stay safe ‘holics.
Joe@ 547: About Cesc, there are a few things that I think may calm your concerns a bit.
a. No one knows Cesc’s game as well as Arsene. Inside out, his strengths and weaknesses, physical aspects, mental aspects…and given that no can accuse Arsene of either a lack of intelligence or hubris (“have enough talent so don’t need Cesc”) it is likely that he has observed/noticed/analyzed something in Cesc’s game that may have put him off. After his masterful 09-10 season he really hasn’t played at that level. He had some excellent games for Barca but has he shined in any big matches for them? Maybe those of us who are bringing this up rationalizing the decision, but I think Arsene has made his decision not lightly and not by whim and not at all because of any emotional sense of disappointment.
b. I really don’t see how he can flourish in Chelsea under Jose. Cesc was never positionally the most disciplined player — a big problem for him in Barca as attempts to play him at Xavi role didn’t work — and neither has he ever enjoyed the sitting back style of play. For all his brilliance he was as culpable in our gung-ho ill-disciplined attitude in failures to protect the lead multiple times as anyone else. And he has joined a team where as hard-working a player as Hazard, and half a decade younger and fitter than him, is finding it hard to get used to the excessively physical style. Unless he is going to be used as a super-sub to split up defenses at the end.
Anyway, I sincerely think that your worries of “catastrophic mistake” by Wenger will be proven to be inaccurate and one year from now we will discuss in this forum that what an astute decision that was by Arsene.
As soon as Barcelona change management, Cesc’s DNA will kick in again, and then where will that leave Chelski anyway?
H2H. Have fun in your beer-soaked garden. ๐
Oh, and maybe your promotion will have long term benefits??
Bravo H2H and Dr F. Great posts! I hope that puts the Cesc euphoria to bed. We had the option to sign him, the boss decided not to do it. Ok next, nothing else to see here.
All the best Sydneyred.
The World Cup has really been enjoyable. Enjoy it fellow Gooners!
Afternoon all. Apologies for the absence. Been in Cornwall with my sister and mobile connectivity down there is an optional and occasional extra ๐
I see the return of sidneyred with news of serious surgery and hopefully a complete recovery. Good luck my friend ๐
H2H @550 & Doctor Faustus @551 –
cracking posts all the way. I wholly concur on Cesc.
The club decided not to exercise their option. There was no need to derail all our summer transfer plans simply because Fabregas was made available. Also, it is his decision to play for Mourinho.
It is not difficult to imagine that one of the reasons Mourinho signed Fabregas is to spite Arsenal and also to plant divisive opinions in our ranks. He is getting the exact reactions he intended from some Arsenal fans.
Afternoon all.
Sidneyred, here’s to a total recovery.
H2H @550 & Doctor Faustus @551 –
cracking posts all the way. I wholly concur on Cesc.
The club decided not to exercise their option. There was no need to derail all our summer transfer plans simply because Fabregas was made available. Also, it is his decision to play for Mourinho.
It is not difficult to imagine that one of the reasons Mourinho signed Fabregas is to spite Arsenal and also to plant divisive opinions in our ranks. He is getting the exact reactions he intended from some Arsenal fans.
Oops! That was not intended to come out as a double post.
Impec1 & frank — thanks.
The Would Cup has until now been surprisingly enjoyable, except for the Brazil game which was poor from multiple perspectives.
This is an election year in Brazil, there is simmering and not-so-simmering disenchantment and anger about the misuse of funds for WC without any positive impact on the infrastructure, and then FIFA’s assholery about booze laws and eventual stealing of money by not paying taxes…unless Brazil wins the whole thing there would be widespread mass demonstrations….
Good Sunday holics. Welcome back Holic. So enjoyed your trip pics on twitter ๐
Speaking of good stuff, those of you who said nice things about Pirlo and Mario have put a big smile on my face!
England look knackered. Thought Stirling looked the part and was afraid everytime he had the ball!
Firstly and belatedly, good wishes to Sydney Red. You have been through the mill my friend and I wish you well.
My level of involvement with England is nowhere near as deep as it is with Arsenal hence my delight at Sterling’s performance is mixed with disappointment that we didn’t manage to sign him a few years ago when we came very close and anxiety about what he may do to us in the future. Scousers of my acquaintance tell me his stellar form dates from the Arsenal game so our pathetic defending that day worked in the national interest.
Based on what I have seen so far Aurier looked fantastic going forward. A RB who can cross! Balotelli played excellently and although a fruitcake will have my full support should he come and Joel Campbell was sensational. Imagine whether we would have been interested in signing him had he been still playing in Costa Rica.
I’m not sure signing uncapped Brazilian defenders makes sense cos they won’t get a work permit but from an Arsenal perspective the WC has gone well so far. Very nasty injury to Gary Lewin which I hope he recovers from soon.
I like Campbell. I think he is another option to what we already have. We definitely need that world class striker, but at one stage we had Giroud, Bendtner, Park, Sanogo and we were still looking to sign Higuain or Suarez. With that in mind Campbell is very welcome. ๐
Jackson Martinez has a physique a lot like Sanogo’s but Sanogo, remarkably enough, has a better touch based on the evidence of yesterday’s game.
England not conditioned well enough to handle 85 degree heat and 85 percent humidity in their first game? Who would ever have thought??? They played well enough for 60 minutes but if they had had proper conditioning training they might have been able to stage a comeback.
Excuse me, but
England were laboring so badly near the end I thought Roy Hodgson must have put himself on as a substitute. ๐
Forgot to wish you all a very joyous Fathers Day!!! Where applicable, of course ๐
8ball @ 561. Think the USA team will have an advantage, as far as the heat and humidity, go. Probably their only one.
England should have trained in Miami longer!
Predictions for France match? Giroud to bag brace with two stunners and everyone will collectively swoon.
Eandy, that would be lovely.
Kos not starting … what the *
Kos not playing is probably related to rumours of injury in training, abb. Can’t imagine he would be dropped on current form.
I thought England only ran out of steam towards the end of the game and did rather better than I had expected considering the conditions. The form of the younger players justified Roy’s decision to select them.
Hi bath. Injury to Kos? Hadn’t heard that. ๐
Thought Sterling was stellar. No much I can get excited about their performance. But times are early and I wish them well.
Just want Italy to win for sentimental reasons.
what a save
very impressed by Griezmann so far
Griezmann or Pogba over Benzema if you ask me!
France v Honduras won’t end 11 v 11 at this rate.
I believe both Giroud and Kos have slight injury worries. Find it hard to believe Debuchy starts ahead of Sagna and Sakho ahead of Kos. Not fully convinced about Benzema starting ahead of Giroud
sensible refreeing, Pogba acted silly but Palacios was all over him, yellow for both is good decision.
Joe,
I have no wish to fall out with you at all and I would have hoped that was clear from what I very carefully wrote.
Rather than bore anyone by repeating it, I would only ask you to re-read the exchange involving goonsterham, myself and bathgooner, whose interpretation of what I said was spot on.
If I have misunderstood the meaning of the word ‘renege’, I apologise.
I thought it only related to issues like promises, commitments and agreements – not the simple declining of an option.
In the meantime, I will happily accept your offer of a drink next time you’re in London – and naturally return the favour.
Palacios was the greater villain. No surprise there then.
Wow. Griezemann looks like the real deal doesn’t he?
Spot on BB@571
With you on all 3 selection decisions there TTG @572 tho Debuchy looks alright.
Indeed Eandy @573
Italy will get to the quarters or with luck the semis, abb. Not good enough to win it despite the ever young Pirlo – such a good player.
Palacios is simply evil.
Also, in case anyone forgot, Palacios is a Stoke player. What a shocker
Bless you bath! Prirlo has earned the respect of his peers and football fans the world over. True test of #Legend xx
Agreed GL @576 – sign him NOW Dick!
TERRIBLE decision making by Benzema there.
Hand of Nemesis there, Wilson. Now FUCK OFF.
Well Palacios got his just desserts!
Well that’s a penalty no one can disagree with. And the red was coming. About the 6th time he had fouled Pogba in this game. Honduras are truly up shit creek now
There are two orc teams in the WC judging by what I’ve seen so far.. and it’s Uruguay and Honduras!
Allez les Bleues. ๐
I have to say that’s a hell of a first half from France. They deserve to be up 2 or 3. Honduras did absolutely nothing, except foul the shit out of the French
Yep France are looking good. Just lack sharpness in the box.
Honduras are clearly aiming to top the card league despite only playing 3 games.
If Arsene could pull a few French strings to deliver Griezman and Pogba as well as a striker and a DMFer and replacements at RB and GK I would be extremely delighted. ๐
In a tournament where the referees have already earned a foul reputation, due credit to this one, who hasn’t made a single mistake so far, as far as I can tell. The penalty was nailed on, as was the red card for Palacios, and the yellows for Pogba and Palacios were sensible, as Eandy pointed out.
Speaking of referees though, what are the chances Brazil have spent a few shekels just to make quite sure they win this tournament? Pretty decent I’d imagine.
Oh dear, Robbie Savage screaming about stupid fouls !
Palacios has clearly been paying close attention since joining Stoke.
Great way to behave in a World Cup.
Time to find a good beach now, pal.
bath – Griezmann – very much yes and I sense that AW is working that way, passing up on Vela, he has Arsenal written all over him and should be available for money we can afford.
Pogba however, is highly unlikely in my view, if Juve even sell him, it is going to be to one of the oil clubs since they will ask unspeakable amount of money for him.
bath: yes please. Pogba is a terror in midfield. A little unpredictable though eh?
Six signings though seems a little ambitious for old Arsene. I expect that if we get a winger like Griezemann to complement our shiny new striker, we won’t get a DM, and vice versa. One or the other probably. I hope I’m wrong.
btw I kind of like Gary Lineker when he’s not surrounded by idiots. With Henry and Seedorf it’s not a bad halftime conversation.
By god these Hondurans are nasty. They’re going to finish up with 8 or 9 men if they keep this up
I reckon we’d be better of giving sociedad 11mil euro coins and the rights to our tapas loving friend carlitos who ain’t so itos in exchange for the greaseman fella. Add in Campbell and Balotelli an we’d be looking tidy up front bay watch style.
Aurier. Woof woof.
All quite on the holding player… Just wonder what treat Big Ivan has for us there???
UTA
Commentators curse… Benzema just double his tally and their lead!
Well what do you know.. goal line technology actually works!
๐
Jonathan Pearce trying to stir up controversy about goal-line technology, forgetting apparently that they actually got the call right. Martin Keown: “They got there in the end though.”
Debuchy deserves to start instead of Sagna. Faster and better offensively, that is what France needs against teams like Honduras. Good player, one more solid RB at this tournament. Arsene must feel like in a supermarket.
Ping
That Pogba looks alright. definitely not a manure type player.
If Benzema keeps up this form, Ollie G might have to get used to the sidelines.
Top finish Datsyuk as well. The “out-of-nowhere” approach. I like it
And here he comes! Get yourself a goal OG!
Olivier!
GL
Was backdrinking a lot so well rested to put it away when the chance was there ๐
Still buzzing over our last second win earlier this evening! Not often I wear a red shirt that hasn’t printed Arsenal on it ๐
Lots of complaining and looking handsome from Olivier so far. Not as much football-playing
http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/1883486/chelsea-midfielder-cesc-fabregas-arsenal-did-not-need-me
Aurier vs Japan
http://vimeo.com/98256821
One of the best RB performances this tournament. He can cross, can tackle, good headers, has plenty of pace.
But, what I like the most about him is the ability to use both legs if needed. The would be such an upgrade on Sagna, because he wasn’t confident with his left at all, that is why he was so predictable in attack. Also this past couple of years Sagna lost his ability to recover from attacking positions when we lost possession, mainly because he lacked pace. Aurier is much faster and believe it or not- even more aggressive then the Frenchman.
The only main problem is his lack of concentration sometimes and poor positioning, but he is a young lad, he recovers well and can learn fast. He would be a good addition to the squad, maybe even an upgrade on Sagna.
Errrrm it’s 15th June and no one has linked us with Yoann Gourcuff. Don’t they know its a transfer window tradition? I think,it’s at least five previous windows that he’s been nailed on to come.
Looking at the French theam, Gruezmann and Valbuena looked very tasty and Benzema showed very good movement against a team of thugs that we couldn’t score against.
Apologise for typing- Griezmann and team!
Thanks for the Aurier vid Lurky, seems good, but let’s see him against more imposing opponents!
Aurier looks a big lump of a lad, and a more than useful crosser of the ball. Still young and should come on well under AW tutelage. Might even be useful, as Bacs was, for additional CD cover.
I was already sold, and now further encouraged by what I see.
Mind you, even Benzema looked good today and I’ve never been a fan.
รskar
Good on ya Oskar- first benzema, what next…..
Who knows, you may even see the best of ozil when he has quality finishers around him
Wow. Great video of Aurier, Lurky. I can’t really see a downside to signing this guy up. I lost track of how many great crosses he whipped in, two of which were converted. That kind of consistent service is really special. I like his bullish demeanor, too.
If course, I’m sure we’re not the only club interested. If he keeps playing like this, his price will only go up. Hopefully we already have a deal in place and we’re just waiting to finalize it after the tournament.
Ok I’m done. *resumes studies ignoring of all transfer rumors*
studied*
I’d be happy with รzil if he’d score some himself, Aussie. We’ve never had a problem creating chances, just converting enough of them to be competitive since Henry left. Without dedicated strikers it’s up to the midfielders to score more often, but only Rambo has ever got that message.
With today’s preference for just one upfront, and some combination of 4.5 or 4.2.3 behind a lone striker I’m far from convinced we want a Benzema to play alongside OG. To rotate with him perhaps, but I see better value in spending big bucks on attacking midfielders like Reus or Di Maria rather than a marquee striker. I’m happy with OG, Theo and Poldi rotating up there.
รskar
Wenger’s stated aim at the start of the window was to ‘ keep what we have and add two or three more ‘. Since then we have lost Fabianski, Djourou( although on loan) , Sagna and apparently Vermaelen and possibly Monreal. That looks to me like we need a complete shadow defence and a first choice right back before we even start adding to the quality. Most of the departures were inevitable when he made that statement so why did he bother?
He doesn’t like big turnover in the squad .To add the quality and be where we were we will need to add seven players. So far the movement looks one way although to be fair it is hard to sign players currently at the World Cup. But natives will be getting slightly restless if we don’t get some quality in soon although Joel Campbell is a stellar addition.
July looks like having to be very busy!
Good France performance although was not happy the gooners only made the bench.
On the evidence of Sats game, we got rid of the right Lewin ๐
The Argies need to show a lot more with all of that talent in the squad.
Overall a thoroughly entertaining weekend of footy
#Free Aurier
Apparently TV5 has agreed in principle to join the Mancs presumably they too have chosen to go with the trusted brand to improve their depleted squad.
It is annoying that we’ll have to sign a replacement for Vermaelen, but then again if ManU want to go into the season with Evans, Jones, Smalling and Vermaelen in central defense then we probably won’t have to worry too much about them next season. And it’s quite a shift to go from talking about getting Pogba, Kroos, Schweinsteiger and others to signing a player who can’t get a game for us.
That’s right Lars we’ve got bigger fish to fry. But I hear the club have identified replacements. Hopefully that should be 1 in and 1 out. Plus Djourou
Chop chop gents. We don’t have all summer. Or do we?
Bloody Arsenal! ๐
Vermaelen to Man Utd eh? New Vidic or new William Prunier?
Heh heh Lars@620
Totally agree.
As long as we get quality replacements in then I’m not too worried about any of our departures so far.
However it is worth recognising that Manure are moving during the WC to acquire our back-up CB who will be moving to become the 4th established CB at Manure to replace the departing Rio.
It’s also somewhat disappointing that next season will see three ex-captains plying their trade at the peak of their game at direct rivals. I suspect this has never happened before in the history of the club. Is that because we have devalued the captaincy or chosen the wrong sort of person as captain?
Pull it out Dick and get busy.
Apprently this geezer’s now up for grabs!
http://www.le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-monaco-veut-vendre-falcao-151540
Only if aye? Only if?
Cu’mon gents it’s either him or Jackson!
#FreeAurier
#FreeBalotelli
#Free Falcao ๐
#Free Falcao or Jackson
Bath,
I think the usual criteria applies to an Arsenal transfer window:
Crystallise the income available by clearing the decks and optimising cashflows from wages / optionsโฆโฆthen use the larger part of the budget to acquire the primary players first.
So now that we’ve got rid of Sanga, Fabianski and Bendtner freeing up salary and optimised whatever income due from the Vela/Cesc transfers, I expect that Vermaelen’s future will be decided next. Then we will start by trying to land the primary target this summer, a striker.
I believe other agreements have tentatively been deferred a little. For example, I suspect there might be something afoot with Remy but its being kept on ice as he’s not the primary option. Otherwise he’d probably have gone to elsewhere by now.
In answer to your question, bath (#624), I don’t think we’ve had a proper captain since Tony Adams.
รskar
Lars and arsene both know how shite Man U back line maybe next season.
Can’t we also throw them a bone with Johan ?
Prefect arsene, well done.
Joe,
That to me makes perfect sense. I think our cap on wages is rumoured to be around ยฃ150,000 pw. With this being the case, there must be something else of an incentive such as merchandise percentages etc.
Hopefully, we will land our man, provided he wants to make it happen.
Apprently le boss told Fabregas he’s role is now covered (since leaving us in the lurch)
That sound sabout right ๐
Henry as a pundit is so, so neccesary:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/world-cup-2014-thierry-henry-embarrasses-robbie-savage-in-the-bbc-studio-9539722.html
๐
Hahaha yes Goonertown, I really laughed on that one.
Eandy – He’s refreshing to watch. I do hope he keeps it up. ๐
Yeah and speaks great deal of sense, even Lineker seems not so obnoxious when Thierry is around..while Savage is …still Savage ๐
Eandy – Agreed ๐
The meedja are tryin to make a story out of this statement by Juanrfan:
“I’m trying to convince everyone that no one should leave, and with many of the selection [Spanish national team] I’m trying to convince them to come to Atletico Madrid. Santi [Cazorla] is one of them.”
One which makes a mockery of Santi’s statement about Cesc only two weeks ago:
“I’ve read that he could go to Chelsea but I’d prefer him to come to Arsenal because he’s a great player and they really love him there,”
Nice try Meedja but we’re okay at present!!
So we’re back on the fascinating topic of who we are (or might, possibly, after a protracted process be) signing, good stuff.
If we get any deals done before the end of the World Cup, I won’t eat my hat, I’ll line up my entire collection of headwear (3 beanies, 1 ‘Buff’ (TM) and 2 panamas), season them, select a nice red to pair with them, change into a dinner suit, put on a monocle and dine on them over a period of hours.
Back to the World Cup then.
I’ve verbally agreed to get lucky tonight. She hasn’t responded, but what could go wrong? I also formally agreed in writing that Arsenal will sign Balotelli for โฌ20mil, signed, scanned, and e-mailed to Berlusconi c/o that pool where all the teenage chicks hang out. I must have sparked a trend, because Tommy V has also verbally agreed to be the 28 year old who can’t get a game at ours so is being old to be replaced by someone younger and better. I’m guessing he called his cunny mate Robin and sorted it with him, if he can pick the manager… I wonder if Arsene will verbally agree or just say “we’ll manage” and leave TV to laugh too loudly at being made to look like a tosser?
In more important matters, things are looking much rosier on this roller-coaster ride of a summer. The standout performer through 4 days of world cup action is a 21 year old start national team striker and he’s ours. Every goon who isn’t a Toulouse watching hipster – decent sausages in fairness – and like me has being waiting to see The Bison live was blown away by the best full-back performance since Thuram scored twice in the semi in 1998. Happy days.
Lots of people seem to be talking down our possible additions; it makes sense as Arsene often does it. “Destabilises” a side to add too many in one go, but I think this summer could be different. We’re not talking about 5/6/7 players to drop straight into the side. We need maybe 2 “super quality” ready to go and will play regularly stars. The rest will all be squad players who can be eased in. (I see the comparison with the LWCs
Sorry, fat finger sending there, where was I…?
Oh yeah, LWCs who had no team and had to rely upon a kid like Lamela at 21 to switch country, league, style and adjust to a bunch of shithouses in midfield with him and lead the team. We aren’t doing that. We have a settled, very high quality 17/18 outfield players. We need younger athletes who can develop and offer depth and rotation in the short-term. It’s entirely possible to do.
Also, we have a solid groups of players who are 28 upwards and have settled at the club. they have a culture and a team spirit. We have a good group of domestic kids as well who are coming into their own together. The dressing hasn’t looked this strong in years. Players may not settle or adjust, it happens, but it’s hard to see that getting destabilised. Many of these appear to be genuine friendships between our squad forged over several years. If anything, it is the perfect environment.
Anyway, in the spirit of the day, as we wait to see our feeder club dismantle Portugal, quite brutally I hope, here is my perfect summer, version 16:
Begovic, Aurier, Caio, Javi Martinez, Greaseman, Balotelli, The Panther.
Go get em Big Ivan.
UTA
Ps: intersting to see all this Latin loving surrounding us in the transfer tattle. Arsene likes to have little groups, maybe he is going to build up another Latin American community, now that Gilberto, Edu, Denilson are gone. Having the older player often helps ease the transition, or at least someone settled at the club. Campbell, Caio… I wonder if we won’t make a go for an older player. I can’t help thinking maybe Luis Gustavo took a year to play regularly with the word cup in mind and would be more open to a move this summer. Wishful thinking maybe, but if Javi Martinez isn’t leaving Bayern, he’d be my second choice…
Preach Big Ivan. Preach it to me.
UTA
In a “spank the monkey” t-shirt:
http://metro.co.uk/2014/06/16/arsenal-fan-gets-tattoo-removed-in-protest-of-cesc-fabregas-transfer-to-chelsea-4763366/?
What a delightful prank. Probably the easiest ยฃ50 that homeless fella ever made.
So if shit rumors are to be believed, we are willing to sell TV5 to united in exchange for Nani, holy cow no, i mean even if we sell Thomas we dont want or need Nani, if they instead give us chicharito, then we are talking.
French team and specially Karim and Valbuena along with Griezmann looked great, can we get them all if not atleast 2 please boss.
Argentina looked shaky, yes Messi’s goal was great but then for large parts of the game they were average, Mascherano in midfield just doesnt have the legs and to think they have Maxi Rodriguez as well, they will be out run by fleet footed players and to be honest if Argentina play the Germans again in this tournament, they will lose, maybe even the dutch will beat them.
Talking of the Germans, my magician will be in action tonight, add the prince and the BFG, it is quite logical that as a neutral i am rooting for the Germans, although with a heavy heart because deep down i want all of the Arsenal players to come back ASAP.
Aussie, I don’t think Johan is ours to sell any more ?
I thought Johan was only on loan cause we couldn’t actually sell him ?
Omm…….
#FreeBeer
He signed a permanent deal with Hamburg ’til 2016 – announced on 2nd April.
Om, om, om, omg – we actually signed someone !
Just kidding. ๐
Still follow Johan on twitter โฅ
Oskar the dog@ 630 Apparently Tony not happy. Says we will not win the PL next season and only finish fourth. ๐
Oh, and hello everyone! โบ
Hi, Nursie. ๐
Hello there Trev! ๐
And congrats to our very own Gervinho, for his goal against Japan.
Just had to be said! Ha ha, holics ๐
@ 645
Chicarito had this to say today:
“I’ve never seen myself as a sub and I don’t like being one, and believe me, I am tired of a lot of people seeing me that way, as a ‘super-sub’.
“I’m a player that has made a difference as a starter.”
The only thing for me is that he would be a sub with us too.
No Nani for me either! Summersaults or not!
Not sure Gervinho is our own anymore, Abb. Besides, to become our “very own” I think you need to spend at least 3 seasons with the club. Just my take on things, mind you. ๐
But Gervinho did add to the Arsenal-colored flavor of this WC.
Unofficial reports are stating that we have bid 25 Million for Mario Balotelli as Falcao’s wage demands are too high
…more to be confirmed!
If you ask me, Gervinho should have worn that band during his time at Arsenal. Looks much better. ๐
OMG Goonertown! Sighs. You know part of enjoying the beautiful game,is the unique individuality that each player brings! La la la xx
8ball, how many times must I preach from the Arsenal Pulpit. Once they don the Red n White, they are in our memories forever. ๐
abb – I was complementing our past brother on his style. I for one happen to think his idea during the game on Saturday was a good one…
…why do I get the feeling I’m not being believed? ๐
*grabs coat for some fresh air
Bookies have now slashed the odds on Chelski now becoming the joint top favourites to win the league next season, after signing Cesc Fabregas – Betfair!
Make it a good’un Arsene!
Surely we can afford the wages ๐
Now Goonertown, don’t you fret! Just knew there was something nice in what you said about The Swerve. ๐
Someday,Holic will talk about him in the most reverential tone.
I’m prepared to wait! ๐
Abb –
Aah you guys ๐
There’s always something nice intended in everything I say
#Free Gervinho
Blow your trumpets, Gabriel!
\m/ *useless posts to claim the number*
#Free Gervinho ! TY Goonertown ๐ Course, AC Roma know a good thing, when they see it ๐
Now, Have I told you of my undying loyalty to Nasri (lately). Goodtimes, they are in our past. And waiting for us, right around the corner! Laters, holics xx
#Free Eboue would be more like it. ๐
Moderately dismal news on Schumacher. Clearly his recovery is extremely limited. If the only positive is that he is no longer in a coma and discharge is only to another hospital then he still has major problems. Best wishes to the fella. Go win for him Germany.
Just saw on the BBC that TV5’s agent has denied any link to United, or any other club for that matter. Move along boys, nothing to see here.
what a fantastic run by Mesut, if anyone ever tells me again that he is lazy player I am going to be very very angry.
What a nutcase Pepe is
Yes, the dirtiest cunt of all has just been sent to the showers ๐
oohf. mesut, shoulda scored that.
Poldi on !
This Portugal team have struggled some what of late. Even with Eboue and Gervinho in the team they’d struggle a little ๐
I see Mesut doing what he does best. Making it look easy. That’s creative midfield covered Cesc. Sorry mate.
Yep they would struggle with those two – for various reasons. ๐
Just a thought, if you were on Arsenal or Puma’s marketing team would you advice Arsenal to announce new signings now or when the new kit deal comes into effect in July?
Have you come over all cynical, Cent?
Next thing someone’ll come along and say the timing is down to the Season Ticket renewals.
COYG
Please please, please, please, please let this Balotelli bid be true.
Testify Big Ivan.
#WhereMeBalotelli
I actually have no problem with them deciding to go that route if that’s the case.
A tough job, replacing Pochettino at Southampton at the moment all the emerging young players are signing (or are expected to sign) for other clubs.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27859958
Nigeria manager not starting Odemwingie. What could he be thinking? If I had a player with a name like that he would be an automatic choice. First name on the team sheet every time. Oh, well. I’ll have to root for Iran now. They have Ghoochanneijhad. Not kidding. ๐
But Nigeria do seem to have adopted an interesting camouflage strategy with an all grass-colored kit …
Good luck Cent.
Thanks, H2H ๐
Just listening to Who Killed Joe Public and still wondering how overrated this album is.
Sounds almost like Never Mind….
Underrated, sorry…
Nigeria clearly having immense pressure of “must win” in back of their heads…some of the passing is shocking, would not be half surprised if Iran nicked this one.
I guess advancement mostly comes down to a question of which team, Nigeria or Iran, does better against Bosnia. Nigeria could use a striker and Odemwingie could be it. (Hint. ๐ )
It was such an interesting tournament, before this last game.
I’ve seen first division matches with better quality then this. FIFA should really change some rules. I would prefer watching Sweden, Serbia, Ukraine or Paraguay than this. Awful football from both sides.
FOk me! Did Chelski and their second team just play each other in the last match!?!?!
Nigeria had such a talent in the past. Jay Jay, Finidi, Kanu, Babayaro. What happened? I know they won last Africa Nations Cup, but they were so bad this game it is shocking.
We were at my brother’s wedding this weekend, so up until the Germany/Portugal game, I watched Brazil and Spain/Netherlands on DVD-R, knowing the result. I’ve so enjoyed the game, and think German will win it all. They were a joy to watch, and I was very pleased our three Germans got a chance to play.
Can’t we buy more German players?
Speculate to accumulate.
I’d like to think the United States could compete and entertain against Ghana but it could be a bit of a stretch. Jurgen Klinsmann expects to pull a rabbit out of a hat by dropping Landon Donovan so if it happens I will call him a genius but again that would have to be a stretch for me.
Don’t tread on me.
I fully expect a solid performance by the Americans. We have the quality.
Dempsey!!!!!!
700?
Who killed Holic?
Nice finish by Dempsey btw, but comical defending by the boy, Boy. ๐
New drinks boss? Been nursing this half for days now ๐
Apologies Cynic et al, lots of things conspiring to keep me offline, but hopefully Tuesday night will post something to be shot at ๐
Great to see you here MJ ๐ Thank you.
boy, does team usa SUCK.
but they won over a relatively uninspired ghana, who could not get the finishing touches on some slick moves.
regardless, it’s 3 points and second in the group.
altidore is a huge loss. the game against portugal is going to be key, because team usa is going to get mannschafted against germany (especially if they play the way they did today).
Hey Oskar- what did you think of ozil v Portugal. I just wanted to check if you have now been convinced of both benzema and ozil in the space of a week.
I know you are a tough but to crack, but you have to admit he does make beautiful football look easy.
Benzema would be a nice bonus on top of balotelli up front with young Campbell sitting in the dugout.
” But” should have read “nut”above @705
Eandy #672 … If รzil played as well for his club as he does for his country there would be much to look forward to in August. Unfortunately, as we saw last season, and as RM saw in previous seasons, he doesn’t. รzil revels in the international limelight, unlike the weekly grind where he gets moody and goes missing a lot.
If AW can actually switch him on more regularly he’ll be the first manager to do so. Thankfully AW is a proven maestro at getting the best from players so I guess we can live in hope!
รskar
Mine crossed with yours, Aussie, but you’ll see where I’m coming from. Did you see him do much in the time he was on? He was okay, but nothing outstanding – except for his miss which any competent player, Theo eg, would have dinked over the keeper.
And replaced on the hour, although that might have been precautionary with the game virtually won.
รskar
As for Balotelli … if he could reform as Suarez did this last year I would welcome him. But he’s a risk, imo, and an expensive one at that. As I’ve said all along I’d rather have proven attacking midfielders signed than temperamental strikers. AW is never going to play 4.4.2 so I’m happy enough with OG, Theo and Poldi rotating up front with additional new strike power in midfield.
รskar
fair points all Oskar, but I did detect you softening on both ozil and benzema in the last week, so I just thought I would check in on your ozil meter.
ozils awareness of space and positioning are a pleasure to watch and he is such an unselfish player and he does not seek the limelight, unlike ronaldo and pepes of the world. I believe he brings a lot of calmness and professionalism with the ball and is vital to arsenal going forward.
what a bunch of wankers Portugal showed themselves to be along with a number of the south American teams….
the spanish tica taca football now looks too slow and easy to read and others have figured out how to close the middle of the box down and these teams have no plan B.
this tournament really is showing the divers versus the power players.
Germany never even had to get out of second gear along with Netherlands who tore spain apart at the seams.
trev – thanks for the update on Johan who is now no longer an arsenal payee.
another well done to arsene.
Don’t tread on Jurgen Klinsmann. Apparently. ๐
Belgium, Russia, South Korea, Algeria. The group of irrelevance?
On behalf of all My fellow Nigerians, I apologize for putting you guys through 90mins of horrible showing of how football should never be played. I hope you guys accept my apologies, thanks.
No softening here, Aussie, I’m just very fair minded and give credit where it’s due. ๐ I’ve always said รzil is extremely talented, it’s just his attitude I believe has no place in an Arsenal shirt. Give me 100% club players like Adams and Parlour any day ahead of superstars ‘when they feel like it’.
I was being a tad ironic about Benzocaine.
รskar
Following on the heels of his “what a load of rubbish” bin-bag protest story – on a day we screed 7 if I remember correctly – John Tattle Man Cross is on another wind-up. One of these insipid tabloid hacks who spews out shit like we are signing Tom Cleverley, or have even considered it, from his hungover brain, but still likes to think he is a football journalist. Just another guest blogger on the Metro webpage who got lucky, but keep on truckin with the drivel eh? Dickhead.
(Metro now seem to have got some of these guest bloggers actually writing up stories for them now. Bit like a CEO using company funds to buy all the shares in a corporation so that he can become king, except no one has got out of bed or put trousers on.)
#FreeBalotelli
UTA
SAGooner. Congratulations on the San Antonio Spurs winning the NBA championship in basketball. They are a classy team. Best of luck to Nigeria in their next games.
I assume you will still be watching even if they don’t entertain. ๐
Woke up to see Team USA had cost me paper money by not winning. I didn’t see that coming. Couldn’t be mad though, for some reason for an ex-s**rs diver Klinsmann seems fairly likeable and he enjoyed that one so much I had feel a little bit happy for him to.
Been interesting seeing Arsene’s little snippets for this BeIN Sport(?) channel. What really stands out to me is that he obviously loves it all so much. He is joyous when it come sot his football and it shows, in him and in the teams he puts out. It has me feeling very optimistic about next season.
Aurier, Balotelli, Campbell is a pretty tidy stash if the papers are to be believed and we have got these pretty much sorted already. Get that done before the World Cup ends and there is plenty of time to get the rest.
All my Bit Coins laying the Belgians today. Hipsters can do one there.
UTA
Belgium are overstocked with great players. I hope they give a performance to match, and if so they could go a long way in the tournament. Singlehandledly, they prevent it from being the group of irrelevance, but I hope the other three prove me wrong too.
Apparently Santi made the following statements to AS, presumably overnight:
“When the World Cup is over, Iโll start thinking about my situation,”
“I donโt want to be thinking about it right now and Iโve told my agents not to tell me anything if an offer comes in.”
“I know a few of the Atletico players โ Godin, Juanfran and I know the side well from when I was playing the Spanish league,”
“But until the tournament is over, I wonโt know if the rumours are true or not.”
Well the way Spain have opened the tournament we may find out what Santi thinks sooner rather than later.
Lost in translation? Pissed because we didn’t add Cesc to the squad?
Who knows? Too early to speculate I reckon. I do not see Santi leaving us this summer and if we have a good’un next season the summer after.
So it’s back to the negotiating table for Ivan, Dick and Arsene and back to the press speculating about stories they have no idea about.
Brazil and Belgium tonight. Two stand out teams fight it out again to become part of the last 16 or if you like, the finals.
Letโs keep it football shall we?
Shall we? ๐
Be really, really odd if we let Cazorla go. Absolutley no need to and would be a huge backward step. (Might confirm the rumours that wages, not Ozil, were the real reason we ignored Cesc?)
I just can’t see this, it makes no sense from our side.
UTA
That’s what I say at this stage El Puno
UTA mate !
For all those fans of Karim Benzema, this statement from his agent was released today:
โThe conversations to renew his contract began long ago. We got together with Perez in September, December, March and past Monday. Karim hasnโt renewed his contract yet but heโs a man of his word and he told Perez he wanted to stay at Real Madrid as long as possible. He wonโt leave no matter what.โ
So now the Mirror are running a story on fans reactions online to the made up story they posted online. Urgh. Like washing your brain with bleach.
721 – Damn straight. From what I read he basically was asked if he knew about it and said, “I’ve asked not to be told anything about anything until after the WC so I’ll see then if anything is happening.” Ie: he doesn’t know about a bid and doesn’t care. Nothing to see here… Balotelli on the other hand ๐
#FreeBalotelli
Of the strikers linked with us, my order of preference would be:
Balotelli
Cavani
Falcao
Benzema
A hube chasm and then Remy.
Given that Super Mario would be half the price of all the other, you know it makes sense.
Don’t be a plonker all your life, Big Ivan.
UTA
To all of those Julian Draxler fans, this statement was released by the player after yesterday’s germany match:
โIn January there was the offer of Arsenal, but I decided to stay,โ
โI will do the same this summer. I want to play one year more in Schalke.โ
I would take any of the following as a first choice:
Falcao
Jackson
Balotelli
Cavani
Benzema
Then if we were to miss out on any of these, we would then require any two of these:
Remy
Lukaku
Bony
Morata
Mandzukic
That’ me own personal opinion of course
Let’s focus on the world cup of course! ๐
BOOM! One of the great transfer sagas in modern history:
http://metro.co.uk/2014/06/17/mario-balotellis-agent-confirms-27million-arsenal-transfer-could-happen-4764977/?
It is on folks, IT IS ON!!!!
Wow. This is huge. Just imagine. Wow. I’m trying to stay calm but this is massive. Balotelli, Aurier, Campbell all looking done. Superb stuff. Never doubt Big Ivan.
“Super quality”.
UTA
I think the restlessness in a lot is because of this ridiculous argument- When they can why cant we? i mean seriously as if this is a super market to be picking and choosing. They argument always is on these lines, if chelshit or city can why cant we? simple answer, we are not them and if next time someone cant differentiate they should go and support them only. I mean comparison is fine but level grounds is long gone.
Agreed we need to buy, we need proper reinforcements but that doesnt mean you criticize every deal and say why dint we. I mean latest is Vermaelen to United, everyone saying it is doomsday and we are selling everyone to our rivals, fact was these were the same set of fans who crucified TV5 for his performances and never wanted him to play for us again, remember the statements like- rather play Miquel than Vermaelen at LB.
It is a simple scenario. Player wants to leave for x reason, we try to convince to a point, in the end if he is insistent what else should we do? beg or threaten? not happening, we sell him to the highest bidder, thats the logical conclusion.
Let us worry about what we need to do than worry about what others are doing. The day a few realize this, they will understand the club gets no joy in undermining their own chances to succeed.
I find it hard being as excited as you by signing of Mario El Puno, if we sign him, I am going to support him to the hilt but I still worry if he is the right man for the job.
Besides, as I have read, he is not exactly hard working player on the field, which kinda strikes a stark contrast between him and our very own Olivier, who for all of his faults, could never be accussed of not giving everything on the pitch.
It could work if they complemented each other, but if he is supposed to be a man who leads our attack, he needs to add more urgency to his game.
Behind the 8 ball@718, I definitely won’t be leaving work early to watch them play again. Not worth it for me, From having the best team in Africa from the 90s to early 2000s to thesis just unforgivable. They are just pure horrible, Goodluck to them though. And yea those Spurs are really good.
@715 sorry
In other news, Cesc continues his completely unedifying propaganda campaign. Terrible form for someone who should be concentrating on his national team and not his own business. Compare with Cazorla for example. Might explain why the Spaniards are dozing out of the World Cup. Chile could hammer these mugs.
Latest is he asked to leave Barca. So, in summary, he asked to leave and wasn’t sold for being a bit pants and he went to chavski because we love Ozil, not because they offered twice as much in wages. It’s all either a tale of woe, heartbreak and regret for a poor Catalan son whose DNA didn’t accept him fully and his spiritual home turned their back on him, or just another modern footballer with an oligarchs-ex to keep neat and some serious money chasing to do before the legs fall off entirely. You decide.
Dodged a bullet there imo.
Big Ivan has the gun now.
#WhereMeBalotelli
730 – Arsene Knows.
Over.
Away to Liverpool is an interesting first match if the rumours are to be believed. I prefer us to be away at the start of the season but it’s a tough one
El Puno
Campbell was done three years ago. His work permit was granted last year. He’s ours already although it looks as if Wenger will make a final decision in preseason on whether he is part of our first team group next season
736 – I am aware of this and tidy business it was too. He will be an addition to the squad the summer though is my point. Add him, Super Mario, and Aurier and we already have a decent haul.
Still need a keeper, centre-half, DM, and winger, but we are getting there and all for a snip so far. Delightful scenes I’m sure you’d agree?
PL fixtures tomorrow.
It’s enough to make a grown man weep:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWCd3MNQA8Q
and this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN-hQffNXi4
Go on my son. Go on Big Ivan.
UTA
@ 735 I heard that rumour yesterday too!
Guess we’ll find out for real tomorrow. It’ll be good to have a tough match to get everyone in the swing of things!
@734 Yeah, as I said, if Arsรฉne decides to sign him I will support him unconditionally, in the end, if he is deemed good enough by Arsรฉne what do I know.
Just not convinced he is _the_ one among the other strikers which are rumoured
Puno @728. Calm down it is just June and none of these deals are even close to being finalized or at least announced to the likes of us. Avoid heart attacks now by following ‘holic’s advice and retreating to the garden. ๐
Eandy, Roberto Martinez critiqued Mario’s style the other night on TV.
Said (paraphrasing here) that he would be missing for segments of the game. That you need to be patient with him. When the timing feels right ,he seizes that moment, emphatically.
El Puno @ 739 That’s exactly what has been missing at Arsenal for quite sometime (excluding Poldi). Pure, raw power with deadly accuracy. Trying dearly not to get my hopes up. ๐
El Puno: Klinsmann was an ‘accidental’ spurs. Even the best of them can suffer such fate. He is a great admirer of Arsene, playing under him with Monaco. I heard him say in interviews that in terms of predicting the evolutionary arch of a player’s career at any stage and then helping him best to grow accordingly Arsene is unmatched.
About Mario: if we are indeed getting him I will of course support him fully. Hopefully all our concerns about his erratic nature would be proven irrelevant and on the pitch he can transform from being a scorer of great goals to a great scorer of goals, and a great team player.
About Germany yesterday — was strange to see them line up with three holding midfielders and a false nine. A very conservative attitude, but understandable given the first game and the Ronaldo threat, and they would be delighted how it turned out.
The interchanges and off-the-ball movements between Gotze-Ozil-Mueller in the final third was a pleasure to watch … would give any defense trouble. Lahm was surprisingly off in this new DM position he has been playing this season. It would be interesting to see once Schweinsteiger has fully recovered how both of them fit in the team, Lahm probably moving to the left back and not right as Howedes is slower compared to Boateng.
Rumour:
Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus have launched a bid for Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United are thought to be keen on the 25-year-old but are yet to firm up that interest with a bid.
Tuttosport suggest the offer is around โฌ21m and could prompt both to join them in tabling bids.
New Barca boss Luis Enrique doesn’t have the Chilean in his plans next season and wants funds for a moves for a new striker, thought to be Gonzalo Higuain or Sergio Aguero.
———————–
GET SANCHEZ!!!!!!!!!!!
Imagine if we got Balotelli AND Sanchez. Bonjour my son ๐
We do need a striker and a winger…
744 – Good shit.
742 – I have a keen understanding of how Big Ivan works. These are exciting times.
UTA
Algeria isn’t half bad…!
Lucky we didn’t sign any of the spuds contingent in Belgium!
๐
Lays it on for the 3/4 ton scored by …
ME
Algeria could have doubled their lead… looks like Belgium is overrated after all!
(now watch the commentator’s curse happen!)
Belgium have too many Spuds to live up to their expectations and too many Chavs to be likeable. Typical combo of Spuds-type big build up after over-optimistic treatment in the media and turgid Chav-tpe performance.
Despite that winning goal.
Hazard should really not play for those scums. Hope he finds a more tolerable team next season.
Well in h2h. Back to tilting at windmills now. ๐
Bath, precisely why I haven’t bothered to switch it on. ๐
What about Origi, who came for Lukaku in the secong half. Fast and tall young attacker, showed good skills in the game.
Many Belgium fans say that is more complete than Lukaku. Plays for Lille, 19 years of age, should not be that expensive. We bottled big with another Belgian that was a Lille player, so maybe it is this our chance to correct that mistake.
Honduras and Uruguay aren’t keeping up with their end of the bargain but I think every other team from the Americas has won their first game. Mexico or Brazil will have to fall by the wayside after this afternoon’s game but it’s been a good tournament for the “home continent” so far.
Ecuador lost too. Oh well, still pretty good for Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina and USA. 7 wins 3 losses for the nuevomundistas.
John Brooks makes contact for the winning goal against Ghana.
http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/i/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-140617-john-brooks-goal/ss-140617-john-brooks-goal-01.jpg
Honduras and Uruguay have, as expected on the basis of past performances, been an utter disgrace to the game – much like FIFA itself.
that is some save by Mexican goalie
Ramirez… always a liability!
Echo @760 Bath.
If Brazil don’t get a quick one in the 2nd half.. fancy mexico may just edge it!
Video evidence of Uruguayan horror tackle v. Joel Campbell of Costa Rica and Arsenal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW9Fj2HGs2o
Ramires red card upcoming??
Maybe ATG can help with a countdown clock on the web page. ๐
Ugly foul by Thiago Silva goes unpunished. Brazil really shouldn’t have to foul so much being so talented, I would suggest.
And buy Gustavo! Been solid for 2 games already… make an offer to Wolfsburg?!!??!
Brazil’s been too casual.. if they get out of the group and play like this, i suspect they would go out in the next round.
Brazilians are so poor in the second half, not that they were exactly stellar in first aswell, Mexico deserves a goal for their effort.
Mexico upper hand. Come on el tri!!
They should start hitting the target at least though
Brazil woeful!
Holland or Germany will tear them a new one if they ever get that far!
Mexico should keep trying those shots from far… it’s Cesar after all!
Brazil taking off their mascot… FRED!
๐
Great result for Mexico and a very exciting game. Mexico must be partying as if they had won it.
agreed, their goalie had a blinder of a game but Mexico more than worth their point.
Andres Guardado played very well for Mexico, and looks like a useful player. To my surprise he plays for Valencia in Spain.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A better result for Brazil then Mexico as the latter must still face Crotia and the hosts a very weak Cameroon.
Brazil will qualify, but may very well struggle in the first knock out game,
Song for the end of the first round?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOOhfS1hZVo&feature=kp
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